Practical ways to enhance emotional intelligence in children

Human behavioural choices are based on what we have inside to give.

“What we have inside is based on how we feel about ourselves as a person. And how we feel about ourselves as a person influences every choice we make,” said Cindy Glass, director and co-founder of Step Up Education Centres.

She added that every choice that we make defines the path of our lives. “All negative behaviours are based on fear, low self-esteem, self-defeating and destructive self-talk and low self-value,” she said.

“Consider for a moment, how nobody, who values and respects himself would want to hurt another. The very act of self-value and self-respect ensures that he will give that out to others. This is the reason why it is so important to teach and enhance emotional intelligence skills in our children.”

Glass said children who mastered emotional intelligence skills became better leaders, studied more effectively, enjoyed more fulfilling relationships with others, were better able to retain information, have better concentration skills and lived happier more fulfilled lives.

“Schools who teach emotional intelligence skills even have fewer bullying incidences and learning for all is more exciting, creative and effective.”

Glass gives parents and caregivers the following tips on how to enhance a child’s emotional intelligence skills:

• Communication is key. We need to talk to our children about their emotions and listen sincerely to their answers without judgement. This will help them become more aware of how they are feeling and, with your encouragement, they will find more positive solutions to any number of challenges
• Teach your children to take responsibility for the choices that they have made. Blaming others has no value. We all make mistakes. Own them and learn from them
• Teach your children to value who they are so that they will value others around them
• Children do what we do and not what we say. It is vital for you to walk your talk.

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