How to Parent Emotionally Intelligent Children

We’ve all got our stories. Those moments where we wonder how do I help my child process these emotions? Or maybe we wonder how do we get past this growing pain. How do we parent emotionally intelligent kids?

It had become a common occurrence. Every. Morning. When it was time to leave for school, she would linger behind, searching for something to keep her from walking out the door. Her socks had to be turned down, and shoelaces placed just right. And then she would cling to me, silently begging not to be pushed out the door.

Her teacher was able to confirm she was fine once at school, and she didn’t seem to be having any problems adjusting. She was quiet. The moment of separation flooded her with emotions she didn’t have the tools or ability to process, making her an anxious mess.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Often referred to as intelligence from the heart, emotional intelligence (EI) is considered to be a characteristic of well-adjusted kids. “EI is the ability to identify and manage your behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions achieving positive results”(Dr. Travis Bradberry). But why would this be an essential skill for our kids?

Studies show fostering EI with our children teaches them about processing…