Helping Kids Learn About The Things They Can And Can’t Control

Antoinette Steyn • February 25, 2022

Throughout our lives, there will be things we can control and things we can’t.  Focusing on the things we can’t control can cause us to experience unnecessary stress.  It is important to teach our kids that there will be things in life that they might not be able to control and that it is important to rather place our focus on the things that we can indeed control.  Here is a simple list of things that we can and can not control which you can start teaching your child

THINGS WE CAN NOT CONTROL THINGS WE CAN CONTROL
The opinions of others What I do and say
What other people think or do My opinions
The weather What I eat
Time My actions
The feelings of others The friends I choose to spend time with
Getting older Self-care
The words other people say The clothes I choose to wear
The boundaries of other people The boundaries I set

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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