07/07/2025
Help! My child isnât emotionally intelligent!
Two children in the same householdâsame parents, DNA, upbringing, and exposureâcouldn't be more different. One is a resilient go-getter, brushing off bullies and tough teachers with ease. The other, a sensitive soulâhurt by a simple eye-roll, bruised by a teacherâs remark, overwhelmed by small challenges. As a parent, the academic impact of those tears keeps me up at night.
But here's the truth: emotional intelligence matters just as much as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Why? Kids with high EQ are resilient, gritty, responsible, respectfulâand they handle setbacks with grace. They're happier, more confident, get along well with others, and often perform better in schoolâstaying engaged, motivated, and attentive.
Are some kids just born with this? Maybe. But the good news: emotional intelligence can be taught and strengthened. Studies show that children who receive EQ training can boost their academic performance by up to 15%.
How to nurture EQ at home:
⢠Talk about feelings daily.
Ask, âHow are you feeling today?â or âHow did that make you feel?â This helps children identify and express emotions, and lets you understand them better.
⢠Play âWhat would you do ifâŚ?â
Use scenarios like: âWhat if a classmate grabs your sharpener?â or âWhat if the teacher blames you unfairly?â Discussing calm, thoughtful responses helps kids practice managing emotions before they flare up.
⢠Use movies and stories.
Ask questions like: âWhy do you think he felt that way?â or âWhat made her upset?â Itâs a great low-pressure way to explore emotions and empathy through characters.
⢠Offer âredoâ moments.
We all lose our tempers sometimes. Teach your child (and yourself!) how to fix it:
âThat didnât come out right. I didnât mean it. Let me say it againâŚâ
These moments help everyone learn to handle emotions better and communicate clearly.
A child whose heart is happy and understood is a child who can thrive. No matter your childâs temperamentâwhether resilient, sensitive, or bothâinvesting in their emotional intelligence is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
âIf a childâs heart isnât happy and content, theyâll never reach their full potential.â
Boost EQ. Build resilience. Unlock their potential. đ