Emotional intelligence is a person’s ability to identify, evaluate, control, and express emotions. It helps us communicate with others, negotiate situations and develop clear thought patterns. If we foster this with our children when they are young, we are setting them up to communicate well, develop strong relationships, and negotiate tricky situations.
According to a Forbes article in 2013, “research carried out by the Carnegie Institute of Technology highlights 85 percent of financial success is due to skills in ‘human engineering’ including your personality, ability to communicate, negotiate and lead.’ And only 15 percent is due to ‘technical knowledge.” People with a strong emotional intelligence (EI) make good leaders and managers and are better at working collaboratively in team environments.
Based on research from TalentSmart, emotionally intelligent people earn more money. They will be more empathetic and compassionate to their friends, partners and own children, relate more easily to others and have a greater self-awareness.
There are lots of things that parents can do to help their child become emotionally intelligent and empathetic – the cornerstones of resilience. We’ve gathered up a collection of picture books and games that you can read, and do, to teach your child about feelings.
Use any examples of what is going on in your life or the images below to teach your child how to respond to emotions. Have your child look in the mirror and practice making mad, sad, and happy faces.
For more information on how to keep your parent game strong 💪 , see Parent Pointers, a series of helpful articles, tips, and ideas.
Raising a child takes a village and we’re proud to be part of the tribe!