Fostering emotional intelligence in children is no longer a “touchy-feely” aspect of development that gets pushed aside. Helping kids develop social-emotional skills is now taking center stage in parenting discussions.
Why?
Perhaps because our world is experiencing conflict and division like we haven’t seen in generations and parents want to raise kids who can live more peacefully with their neighbors. Or perhaps it’s because we see the rise in rates of depression, anxiety and suicide in kids and know that something has to change. Or perhaps it’s because Google and other high-tech companies have emphasized that their most highly-promoted employees aren’t the ones with the best coding skills, but those with the best people skills.
Whether you have one of these factors in mind, or you would just like to raise a child who is kind and considerate, fostering emotional intelligence in children is a high priority for many of us.
The good news is that fostering these social-emotional skills in kids doesn’t require fancy activities or an advanced degree. Our simple daily interactions with our kids set the stage for the development of many of these skills. Simply engaging with our kids in discussions and modeling emotional skills can make a huge difference.
Watch some specific tips that I discussed here in my Facebook parenting group:
Need ideas? Sign up for this FREE cheatsheet, 8 Daily Activities to Boost Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence.
Parents, the work we do each day to “show up” emotionally for your kids really matters! By fostering emotional intelligence in children in these simple ways we can raise a generation of kids who understand their emotions and those of others. Through understanding emotions, our kids are more likely to thrive in their relationships, careers and personal well-being. These emotional skills will serve them well and perhaps help make the world a little more kind.
NEVER BELIEVE THAT A FEW CARING PEOPLE CAN’T CHANGE THE WORLD. FOR, INDEED, THAT’S ALL WHO EVER HAVE.
–Margaret Mead
