How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is an essential trait that can help children navigate the complex world of human relationships and succeed in various aspects of life. Psychologist Sandra Wartski believes parents can play a crucial role in developing their children’s emotional intelligence. In her article published on CNBC, Wartski outlines the five pillars of emotional intelligence that parents can focus on to help their children build a strong foundation for their social and emotional well-being.
The first pillar of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. According to Wartski, self-awareness is recognizing and understanding one’s emotions and how they influence one’s behaviour. To help children develop self-awareness, parents can encourage them to identify and label their emotions, reflect on their feelings, and express themselves in a healthy and constructive way.
The second pillar of emotional intelligence is self-regulation. Self-regulation refers to managing one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in response to different situations. Wartski suggests that parents can teach their children self-regulation by setting clear boundaries and consequences, modeling healthy coping strategies, and helping children practice self-control in challenging situations.
Motivation is the third pillar of emotional intelligence. Motivation refers to the drive to achieve goals and pursue one’s passions. According to Wartski, parents can foster their children’s motivation by allowing them to explore their interests, set achievable goals, and persevere through setbacks and failures.
The fourth pillar of emotional intelligence is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Wartski emphasizes the importance of empathy in building strong relationships and developing social skills. Parents can help their children develop empathy by modeling compassion and kindness, teaching them to listen actively and reflectively, and exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.
The fifth and final pillar of emotional intelligence is social skills. Social skills refers to communicating effectively, co-operating with others, and forming positive relationships. Wartski suggests that parents can nurture their children’s social skills by providing opportunities to interact with different people, teaching them conflict resolution strategies, and encouraging them to practice assertiveness and negotiation.
Overall, Wartski’s guide offers practical tips and insights for parents who want to raise emotionally intelligent children. By focusing on the five pillars of emotional intelligence – self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills – parents can help their children develop the skills and mindset they need to thrive in today’s world. By providing a safe and supportive environment for their children to learn and grow, parents can help their children build a foundation for lifelong success and well-being.
Read the full guide by Psychologist Sandra Wartski: https://www.angermanage.co.uk/how-to-raise-emotionally-intelligent-kids/