We have put together five handy tips that can help you support your child when it comes to developing their EQ.

What is Emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence, or E.Q, is the ability to be aware, control and express emotion in a healthy way. It is also a way to help people handle interpersonal relationships in a healthy and empathetic manner to help build and maintain relationships. It can also be beneficial towards protecting you from toxic and dangerous situations.

What are some of the signs of Emotional intelligence?

• Being able to manage emotions, especially in difficult situations
• Being able to accept and embrace change
• Being empathetic towards other people
• Accepting responsibility for mistakes
• Being able to let go of mistakes
• Being curious about other people
• Self-confidence
• Self-acceptance
• Knowing how and when to be sensitive to other people's feelings
• Healthy self-expression
  

How can you play a part in raising an emotionally intelligent child?

Give them space to express themselves

Be aware of your child's emotions and be able to deal with these kindly and respectfully. This could look like asking them what's wrong and to feel their emotions instead of trying to suppress them. A simple acknowledgment and guiding them through what they are feeling without trying to automatically come up with a solution can help. Offering your support through lending an ear, a hug or patience can go a long way to finding healthy ways to deal with all types of emotions.

Emotions are an opportunity to connect and help them learn

Children need patience, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult emotions and outbursts. Helping them work through their emotions by speaking through what they are feeling, why they are feeling it and how you can learn to deal with this type of emotion can create a space for them where they can feel heard and seen. It will also help them be more receptive to learning how to deal with their emotions healthily.

Put a label to emotions

There is no such thing as a bad emotion. Emotion is part of the human experience. Helping your child put a label to what they are feeling can help make them feel normal and teach them self-acceptance when it comes to what they are experiencing. It can also build their confidence in being able to put their finger on what they are struggling with. Emotion wheels are a great start for both parents and children to help put a label to the array of emotions they feel to find a healthy solution.

Communicate, empathise, understand

Leading by example means validating how your child feels by giving them your full attention and listening to them express their emotions. In some cases, it can be frustrating for parents, but remaining calm can help encourage your child to express themselves. Repeat back what your child is communicating with you and tell them you understand what they are experiencing before telling them a solution.

Problem solve together but with limits

Emotional intelligence is a way in which you can help your child become independent by learning healthy ways to deal with their emotions. It also helps them trust themselves when it comes to making decisions. While all emotions are a normal thing to experience, how you respond matters. The same goes for helping your child learn ways to cope with their emotions by developing problem-solving skills. They will need to be guided to help them develop healthy and appropriate behaviours. Developing healthy coping mechanisms together can be beneficial, but also explain why certain limits are needed.