Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often considered more important than Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in many situations, especially in interactions with others in the workplace. Experts say that EQ can be nurtured from a young age, and parents who raise children with high emotional intelligence typically have seven habits, which are strategies for teaching children.
As a mother and parent-child relationship coach, founder of the parent-child interaction journal “BOUND”, Reem Raouda, mentioned in an article on CNBC’s website that raising children in today’s fast-paced, achievement-oriented world is not an easy task. While many parents focus on their children’s grades and extracurricular activities, one skill that is often overlooked is emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence not only helps children excel socially but also aids in their development as resilient, empathetic, and successful adults, enabling them to confidently face challenges, cultivate meaningful relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
Raouda stated that after years of studying over 200 parent-child relationships and nurturing healthy habits with her own children, she found that parents of children with high emotional intelligence early on adopt seven powerful strategies to teach them:
These parents verbally share their own feelings, such as “I feel frustrated” or “I feel happy”, teaching children how to express their emotions through words. This helps children see emotions as normal and encourages them to openly share rather than suppress them.
These parents let children know that making mistakes is a part of life and taking responsibility is a strength. Apologizing can build trust and show respect, making children feel valued, fostering empathy, and teaching them how to repair relationships.
These parents give children the space to process their feelings and trust their inner voice. When children are upset, they quietly sit beside them and offer silent comfort. Maintaining silence can help children better manage and reflect on their emotions.
While most parents typically prompt children to say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” often, these parents understand that kindness and respect cannot be forced; they do not compel these words from their children.
Instead, they lead by example and trust that their children will follow suit. If their child forgets to say “thank you,” they say it on their behalf. They believe that such modeling will continue over time.
Raouda illustrated that she did not teach her 6-year-old son to say “please” or “thank you,” but he now says it on his own because he heard her say it.
These parents take their children’s worries seriously, whether it’s about losing a toy or having issues with friends. By validating their own feelings, they show children that emotions matter. This fosters self-worth, emotional security, and respect for their experiences.
These parents allow children to feel bored, which helps them adapt to quiet. This nurtures creativity, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities. Their children learn to enjoy their own company and find happiness in simple moments, such as gazing out of a car window without the need for electronic screens.
Encouraging children to make decisions themselves is the best way to teach them decision-making. These parents do not provide solutions but ask, “What do you think we should do?” This helps strengthen children’s critical thinking, confidence, and independence.
In conclusion, Raouda emphasized that when teaching children, the most important aspect is to establish a relationship based on respect and trust because emotional intelligence begins with feeling safe, valued, and understood.