Success in the classroom depends on more than just your child’s IQ.
The way your child identifies, understands, and manages emotions can have an impact on everything from his or her relationships with classmates to performance in the classroom.
Because of this, emotional intelligence is an important stepping stone to success, both inside the classroom and beyond. But what exactly is emotional intelligence and how can it help students?
Read on to learn more about emotional intelligence and view our infographic below!
What is Emotional Intelligence In Children?
Emotional intelligence is your child’s ability to identify, evaluate, control, and express his or her emotions. A high level of emotional intelligence helps your child use feelings to identify and solve challenges, communicate with others, and make decisions.
Emotional intelligence involves:
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- Emotional literacy
Recognizing your own feelings and the feelings of others.
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- Managing emotions
Being able to control your emotions effectively.
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- Developing empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
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- Intrinsic motivation
Pushing yourself to meet the goals you have set.
Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important For Students?
Students with higher levels of emotional intelligence are able to better manage themselves and relate to others around them. This can help them develop improved self-motivation and more effective communication skills—essential skills to helping students become more confident learners.
On the other hand, students who lack emotional intelligence can become less connected to school, negatively affecting performance in the classroom.
Improving emotional intelligence in children can help them:
- Improve self-awareness
- Manage stress
- Boost self-motivation
- Build empathy
- Make good decisions
- Communicate effectively
- Develop relationships
How To Build Emotional Intelligence In Your Child
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- Stop and identify emotions
Talk about what your child is feeling and help him or her name the emotion (anger, happiness, sadness, frustration).
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- Listen to your child’s feelings
Ask how a situation has made him or her feel and why. Talk about what your child can do to help improve any negative situations.
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- Empathize with your child
Let your child know you understand how he or she is feeling. Try saying, “It sounds like you’re excited!” or “You seem frustrated right now”. Talk about how the emotions your child is feeling affect him or her, as well as others.
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- Teach problem solving
Help your child reflect on his or her emotions to identify what makes him or her feel a certain way. Find solutions to any challenges together.
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- Lead by example
Clearly communicate your own emotions to your child, why you feel a certain way, and how you deal with your emotions.
Infographic: Emotional Intelligence in Students
View our infographic to learn more about how emotional intelligence can help students and how to develop emotional intelligence in your child.
