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Sapling MINDS

The Value of Emotional Intelligence for Children


Empathy is a key component of effective social skills, which is important for their development of emotional intelligence. Being able to recognise the range of emotions in another person supports the learning of different types of emotions, which in turn, helps with the development of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence provides the emotional and social skills necessary for building and maintaining resilience. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to understand, manage, and leverage emotions to navigate difficulties effectively.

 

What is the value of emotional intelligence?

 

Emotional intelligence is composed of a set of emotional abilities. This includes recognising emotional states in yourself and others, using emotions to guide thought and behaviour, understanding how emotions shape behaviour, and emotional regulation. Research suggests that high emotional intelligence is associated with improved mental health and relationships, and higher academic performance.

 

The value of emotional intelligence extends to self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. All these benefits also support improved resilience in the face of life’s ups and downs. Additionally, according to research, children with high emotional intelligence are less likely to experience bullying. Emotional intelligence is the concept of the ability to understand and manage emotions, whilst emotional quotient is a measure or score reflecting emotional intelligence.

 

How does this relate to emotional quotient (EQ)?

 

There are many benefits to understanding your child’s emotional intelligence and emotional quotient (EQ), including gaining insights that can support a more harmonious home life, boost your child’s grades and classroom behaviour, and help your child handle their feelings as they begin to manage their emotions better. While EQ tests offer insightful data, they are not the be-all and end-all measure of a child’s emotional intelligence. These tests are a starting point for understanding your child’s unique emotional framework and how that interplays with their wellbeing, academic performance, and other skills and abilities.

 

Developing emotional intelligence in children

 

Emotional intelligence is a skill which can be developed and strengthened with practice. To do this, assist your child to focus on the following areas;

 

Self-Awareness

Consider reflecting on interactions and noting how they could have been better, what was found to be challenging, and any other learnings from that experience. Maintaining a journal of behaviours and interactions offers your child the chance for ongoing self-reflection.

 

Self-Regulation

Consider how to improve regulation both in time of challenge/conflict, such as practicing deep breathing exercises, as well as after the experience through radical acceptance of emotions that arise and verbalising what is being felt. Reframing thinking and perceptions of ‘failure’ will also aid your child’s self-regulation.

 

Motivation

Celebrate wins. When looking to try something new, identify why it feels like a good idea to support the maintenance of prolonged motivation. Ensure to-do lists are broken up into manageable, bite-sized actions to mitigate overwhelm.

 

Empathy

Pay attention to surroundings and try to ‘read the room’. Consider volunteering with a charity/cause of interest. Participating in community service provides first-hand experiences that can cultivate empathy and compassion.

 

Social Skills

Aim to try new and different social situations. Practice active listening.

 

Conclusion

 

Whilst intelligent quotient (IQ) has historically been linked to better academic performance, new research indicates that emotional intelligence may be the key. These new studies are now confirming the value and importance of emotional intelligence. Therefore, as parents, it is critical to ensure your child’s development of both IQ and emotional intelligence is supported.



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