Effective Strategies for Teaching Emotional Intelligence to Kids

Emotional intelligence refers to recognising, understanding, and managing emotions effectively. Teaching emotional intelligence to children equips them with crucial life skills, such as empathy, self-regulation, and effective communication.

Methods to use to teach children about Emotional Intelligence

Here are some practical and evidence-based strategies to foster emotional intelligence in kids.

1. Model Emotional Intelligence

Children learn by observing the behaviours of adults around them. Parents and educators can model emotional intelligence by expressing their emotions in healthy ways, practising empathy, and demonstrating how to handle stress or conflict constructively (Goleman, 1995). For example, verbalising your feelings (e.g., “I feel frustrated right now, so I’m taking a moment to breathe”) teaches children to identify and articulate their emotions.

2. Teach Emotional Vocabulary

Helping children name their feelings is a foundational step in developing emotional intelligence. Providing them with a rich emotional vocabulary enables them to communicate their needs better and understand others’ emotions (Denham et al., 2011). Tools like emotion charts or storytelling can make this process engaging and interactive.

Other Potential Methods to Consider

3. Encourage Active Listening

Active listening fosters empathy and enhances interpersonal skills. Teach kids to listen attentively, maintain eye contact, and validate others’ feelings. According to Brownell (2012), role-playing scenarios can be a fun way to practice these skills while building their understanding of different perspectives.

4. Promote Problem-Solving and Self-Regulation

Guiding children to solve conflicts and manage their emotions independently is crucial. Encourage them to pause and identify their feelings before reacting, then brainstorm constructive solutions. Techniques such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a “calm-down corner” can support self-regulation.

5. Incorporate Games and Activities 

Interactive activities can make learning emotional intelligence enjoyable. Games like “Feelings Bingo” or “Emotion Charades” can help children recognise emotions in themselves and others. Additionally, reading books about characters dealing with emotions provides relatable examples for discussion.

6. Foster Empathy Through Community Engagement

Engaging in activities that encourage kindness and community involvement can strengthen empathy. Volunteering, helping a peer, or even small acts of kindness like writing thank-you notes allow children to practice putting themselves in others’ shoes (Eisenberg & Fabes, 1998).

7. Create a Safe Emotional Environment

Children thrive in environments where they feel safe expressing their emotions without fear of judgment. Establish open lines of communication where kids know their feelings are valued and respected. This builds trust and reinforces the importance of emotional honesty.

Overall Message about Emotional Intelligence

By integrating these strategies into everyday interactions, parents and educators can nurture emotionally intelligent children better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful relationships.

If you think you can benefit from professional support on this issue, you can reach out here.

Mandy Brincat is a Gestalt psychotherapist who enjoys working therapeutically with adults on various issues. These include general mental health and well-being. She also has experience working with anxiety, victims of domestic violence and eating disorders.

References

1. Brownell, J. (2012). Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills. Pearson Higher Ed.
2. Denham, S. A., Bassett, H. H., & Wyatt, T. (2011). The socialisation of emotional competence. Handbook of Socialization: Theory and Research, 2, 614-637. 
3. Eisenberg, N., & Fabes, R. A. (1998). Prosocial development. Handbook of Child Psychology: Social, Emotional, and Personality Development, 3, 701-778. 
4. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.