5 Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Child's EQ

It is undoubtedly that emotional intelligence (EQ) plays an important role in children behaviour. Dr Gottman in one of his article says that, self-control which is one piece of emotional intelligence, is particularly important in predicting achievement in children and research has found that individuals with strong leadership potential also tend to be more emotionally intelligent.  

Here are five basic steps for parents to help their children strengthen their EQ and to handle with emotions:

1. Aware of your child's emotion. Look closely to their behaviour and expressions when facing a situation. How do they feel when losing a game? Or not getting A’s in they favourite subject? Or when being bully by friends at school?

2. Take chance to bond with and educate your child. When your children show emotions such as anger, sad or frustrated, this is the best time for you to connect with your children and teach them how to handle their emotions.

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3. Be a good listener and validate the emotions. Listen to your children and ask them what make they feel sad, angry or frustrated. Tell them that you understand their emotions and what they feel is totally normal and fine. Don’t ever tell them that they are being silly for being angry to those who making joke on him or that they are exaggeratedly sad for losing their favourite toy.

"It's okay if you feel sad when losing you favourite toy. I would feel the same too if I lose my favourite dress."

4. Help them label their emotions correctly. With limited vocabulary, it is hard for a young child to express their feeling in a correct manner. Labelling their emotions is good to develop awareness of and vocabulary for their emotional expression. The next time they have the same experience, it is easier for them to talk to you and handle their own emotions. 

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5. Help your child problem-solved with limit. What ever emotions your children are showing you, it is wonderful if your children want to talk to you about their feelings. This mean that they trust you and need you to help them solve their problem. Suggest to them what they can do to let go of the feelings. 

“You can cry if you want but that doesn’t make your toy car appear, right? Do you want me to help you find your toy car in your room?”

To guide a child on how to manage his emotions needs a lot of patience and practices. Parents need to stay calm and be present for your child.