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What does emotional intelligence mean in children?

Interview with a professional - answers to questions of interest to you

Our guest is Tato Turava, Master of Psychology, Academic Therapy Supervisor at our center. The topic of conversation is emotional intelligence.

Tato, what does emotional intelligence mean in children?

In children and adults, emotional intelligence (EI) is defined similarly. It is the ability to recognize and manage one’s own and others’ emotions. In other words, the ability to understand and use emotions in thinking and acting. Emotional intelligence consists of several components. These are:

Self-awareness - the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions: what I am feeling right now and what is causing this emotion in me; how my behavior/actions can affect others;

Self-regulation - the ability to cope with and manage one’s own emotions and impulsive behavior;

Self-motivation - maintaining a goal-oriented attitude (even in challenging and high-stress situations, emotions do not prevent me from achieving my goal);

Social skills - the ability to initiate and maintain healthy relationships;

Empathy - the ability to understand and take into account the emotions of others.

How can we help a child develop emotional intelligence?

Here are some tips for parents:

• Talk to your child about your and his/her emotions from an early age, encourage him to talk about emotions in general, help him name them, and identify the causes. It is important to talk about both positive and negative experiences (how did you feel?).
• Help him/her identify the emotions of others (a book or movie character) when reading a children's book together or watching animated films. Pay attention to the emotions of the characters, how they are described/shown in body language, facial expressions, etc. Ask him to name how the character would feel.
• Teach reflection - talk about how to express emotions in different situations, think of different strategies, and what to do when faced with a challenge or unable to cope with a certain emotion.
• Create the right expectations - teach the child social norms, which forms/behaviors of expressing emotions are acceptable and which are not.

The child needs to have a caring and safe environment where he feels comfortable expressing his thoughts and emotions. Being in a supportive environment is a prerequisite for healthy social relationships.