‘ABCs of emotional quotient leads to happy children’

We may have come across the term Emotional intelligence, often abbreviated as EQ (Emotional Quotient). It refers to the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use your emotions as well as the emotions of others. It involves a set of skills and competencies that enable individuals to navigate social situations, build strong relationships, and make sound decisions. Emotional intelligence is considered a critical aspect of interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. It has four primary components.

Self-awareness: This is the ability to recognise and understand your own emotions, including their causes and effects. Self-aware individuals are in tune with their feelings and can accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Self-regulation: Also known as emotional self-control, this component involves managing and controlling one’s emotions, especially in challenging situations. People with strong self-regulation can stay calm under pressure, resist impulsive actions, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Social awareness: This aspect involves being attuned to the emotions and needs of others. It includes empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Socially aware individuals can pick up on nonverbal cues, show empathy, and navigate social dynamics effectively.

Relationship management: This component focuses on using emotional intelligence to build and maintain positive relationships. It includes skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to inspire and influence others positively.

Did you know that EQ is not a fixed trait but can be developed and improved through self-awareness, practice, and learning? People with high EQ tend to have better interpersonal relationships, leadership skills, and overall emotional well-being. They can also be more resilient in the face of stress and adversity and therefore, it is important to start young.

According to Ravina Nimbolkar, PGT Psychology and school counselor at Apeejay School, Kharghar, if you want your toddler to plant and take care of a tree, you need to provide them with knowledge about plants.

Emotional intelligence can help children recognise the feelings of others and develop empathy. This can reduce the likelihood of engaging in bullying behaviour

–Ravina Nimbolkar, PGT Psychology and school counselor at Apeejay School, Kharghar

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“You need to give them tools and necessary resources to deal with their emotions. If we want our toddlers to take care of their anger, grow beyond their tantrums, share their happiness, empathise with others, understand themselves better and learn values like respect and discipline. We have to provide them the resources to develop their emotional intelligence,” Nimbolkar said.

Teaching emotional intelligence at a young age offers numerous benefits for children’s development and well-being.

Emotion Regulation: Young children often struggle with managing their emotions. Teaching emotional intelligence helps them understand and regulate their feelings better. This can lead to reduced tantrums, meltdowns, and impulsive behaviour.

Improved Social Skills: Early exposure to emotional intelligence concepts can help children develop essential social skills such as empathy, active listening, and understanding nonverbal cues. These skills are critical for building positive relationships with peers and adults.

Conflict Resolution: Emotional intelligence enables children to navigate conflicts and disagreements more effectively.

Academic Success: Emotional intelligence is linked to better academic performance. Children with strong emotional intelligence can manage stress, stay focused on tasks, and collaborate effectively with classmates, all of which contribute to success in school.

Bullying Prevention: Emotional intelligence can help children recognize the feelings of others and develop empathy. This can reduce the likelihood of engaging in bullying behaviour.

Resilience: Emotional intelligence teaches children how to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. It helps them develop resilience and a growth mindset, which are crucial life skills.

Preparation for Future Leadership Roles: Developing emotional intelligence from a young age can prepare children for leadership roles in the future. These skills are highly valuable in leadership positions both in personal and professional contexts.

“Some of the areas where we can see emotional intelligence in toddlers is how they interact with others, how they express themselves, their needs and desires, how they react to refusals, how they manage their anger and frustration, intensity and frequency of their tantrums, how they take care of others and can perceive others emotions,” Nimbolkar explained and shared some activities that parents can incorporate in their kid’s daily routine.