Dr Lisa Firestone (Clinical Psychologist) suggests one of the most important things we can teach our children is Emotional Intelligence.
When we teach kids emotional intelligence, how to recognise their feelings, understand where they come from and learn how to deal with them, you teach them the most essential skills for their success in life. Research has shown that emotional intelligence has a positive effect on relationships, effectiveness, health and, quality of life.
Below are five essential elements that we can teach our children to support their emotional intelligence.
- Self-awareness – knowing our own emotions
- Self Regulation – being able to regulate and control how we react to our emotions
- Internal motivation – having a sense of what’s important in life
- Empathy – understanding the emotions of others
- Social skills – being able to build social connections
When we mess up or act out with or around our children, instead of trying to sweep it under the rug, we should acknowledge what occurred in us and repair any emotional damage we may have caused. In taking these each of these steps, we create an environment in which our children can continually make sense of their emotions and experiences. This skill set is perhaps the largest predictor of not only their success in life, but more importantly, their happiness.
To read more from the Dr. Lisa Firestone visit www.psychalive.org