6 Tips for Helping Your Child Build Emotional Intelligence

EQ4Kids • December 11, 2018

This insightful article from Understoodabout Emotional Intelligence (EI) teaches us that EI allows kids to act on feelings in an effective way. This key ability can help kids with learning and attention issues work through their challenges. Learn ways to help your child build EI.

6 Tips for Helping Your Child Build Emotional Intelligence | EQ4Kids

Help him be aware of her emotions.

Encourage her to talk about how challenges make her feel. Have her name the emotion (“angry,” “sad,” “jealous”). Then ask her why she feels that way. You can do the same when she has a positive experience. If she remembers to hand in all her homework one week, for example, ask her how that makes her feel and why.

Practice reading emotions in others.

Watching TV can be a great way to practice this. Turn off the sound and try to guess how characters are feeling. Talk about how body language and facial expressions can be clues.

Reflect on how she’s reacted in the past.

Take time to look back at specific situations and talk about how she responded. Give her helpful praise if she reacted in a constructive way. For example, maybe she was feeling frustrated with math homework and asked you for help. If she reacted in a way that wasn’t helpful—like throwing her math book on the floor—talk about how she could have reacted differently.

Come up with new strategies.

Use tough situations as learning opportunities. Talk about what she can do when she’s feeling a certain way or facing a challenge. For example, instead of yelling at her sister, what could she do when her sister plays her music too loud?

Find opportunities to help others.

Working together to take care of people can help your child build empathy. Join a volunteer effort. Or have her come with you to deliver a care package to a sick relative or friend. You could even consider getting a pet. Having to walk a dog on cold or rainy days can help to remind her that her needs may not always come first.

Explore options at school and elsewhere.

Getting outside emotional help is another option to consider. Going to therapy can help kids learn to identify emotions and regulate them. Some therapists also offer social skills groups.

EQ4Kids presents Workshops and Weekly Classes on Emotional Intelligence at schools. If you would like EQ4kids to be presented at your school, feel free to contact your nearest franchise for more information.

Read the original article here.

Share Post

Complete the following form if you require more info about EQ4kids or want to enroll your child at your nearest Franchise.

Blog Enquiry

Helping Kids Deal with Fear Through Emotional Intelligence

Helping Kids Deal with Fear Through Emotional Intelligence

By Antoinette Steyn • February 6, 2025
Fear is a natural and universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point. For children, fear can stem from a variety of sources—whether it’s the fear of the dark, separation from parents, new social situations, or fears of failure. While fear is a protective emotion designed to keep us safe, when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can hinder a child’s emotional growth and daily functioning. Teaching children how to manage and cope with fear through emotional intelligence (EQ) can help them face challenges confidently and build resilience in the process.
Managing Aggressiveness in Kids: Building Emotional Intelligence for a Healthier Response

Managing Aggressiveness in Kids: Building Emotional Intelligence for a Healthier Response

By Antoinette Steyn • February 6, 2025
Intelligence for a Healthier Response Aggression in children is a common challenge faced by parents, teachers, and caregivers. Whether it’s hitting, biting, yelling, or even verbal outbursts, aggressive behaviours can be concerning and difficult to address. However, behind every aggressive action is an emotion—frustration, anger, or feeling misunderstood—that needs to be processed and managed. Helping children develop emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most effective ways to address aggressiveness and foster healthier ways of expressing emotions.
Being Careful with the Feeling of Shame: A Guide for Parents

Being Careful with the Feeling of Shame: A Guide for Parents

By Antoinette Steyn • February 6, 2025
As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s emotional experiences. While feelings like joy, excitement, and pride are often celebrated, emotions like shame are more difficult to navigate. However, understanding and managing shame in a healthy way is crucial for emotional well-being and growth. Shame is a powerful emotion, and if handled poorly, it can have lasting negative effects on a child’s self-esteem and sense of worth.
How Emotional Intelligence Develops Effective Social Skills and Essential Life Skills

How Emotional Intelligence Develops Effective Social Skills and Essential Life Skills

By Antoinette Steyn • February 6, 2025
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than ever. It’s the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, while also empathizing with others. High EQ is not just about being "nice"—it’s a skill set that helps people build meaningful relationships, collaborate effectively, and navigate life’s challenges. For children, developing emotional intelligence can be a game-changer, laying the foundation for not only strong social skills but also essential life skills that will benefit them for years to come.
How Parental Emotional Intelligence Shapes The Emotional Intelligence Of Children

How Parental Emotional Intelligence Shapes The Emotional Intelligence Of Children

By Antoinette Steyn • January 9, 2025
Children learn more from what their parents do than from what they say. This principle is especially true when it comes to emotional intelligence (EQ). As children observe and interact with their parents, they develop the foundations for understanding, expressing, and managing their own emotions. A parent’s level of emotional intelligence can profoundly shape their child’s emotional development, influencing how they navigate relationships, handle challenges, and express themselves.
How Emotional Intelligence Can Boost Academic Performance

How Emotional Intelligence Can Boost Academic Performance

By Antoinette Steyn • January 9, 2025
Academic success is often associated with intellect and hard work, but there’s another vital ingredient that’s often overlooked: emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions, as well as empathize with others. It plays a significant role in shaping how students approach learning, handle challenges, and interact in academic settings.

Why Parents Can’t Afford Not to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Their Kids

By Antoinette Steyn • January 9, 2025
In a world increasingly driven by connection, collaboration, and empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ) is no longer an optional skill—it’s a necessity. EQ encompasses the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions while recognizing and respecting the feelings of others. For children, these abilities are foundational to success not just in relationships but in academics, careers, and personal well-being.
Teaching Young Kids Emotional Responsibility: Building a Foundation for Accountability

Teaching Young Kids Emotional Responsibility: Building a Foundation for Accountability

By Antoinette Steyn • January 9, 2025
Helping young children take emotional responsibility for their actions is one of the most meaningful lessons parents and caregivers can teach. Emotional responsibility involves recognizing one’s feelings, understanding how those feelings impact behaviour, and taking ownership of actions and their consequences. For young children, this can be challenging, but with patience and the right strategies, they can learn to navigate their emotions while developing empathy and accountability.
Handling Biting in Preschool: Practical Tips for Parents

Handling Biting in Preschool: Practical Tips for Parents

By Antoinette Steyn • December 10, 2024
Biting is a common yet challenging behavior among preschool-aged children. While it can be distressing for parents, caregivers, and other children, it’s important to understand that biting is often a developmental phase. For young children who are still learning to express themselves verbally, biting can be a way of communicating frustration, seeking attention, or exploring their environment.
Show More