Top 10 Reasons Why Emotional Intelligence Is Critical for Our Kids.
Emotional Intelligence is not a new concept or a new collection of skills for people. It's really nothing new and fancy, and yet in the last 20 to 30 years, it has completely risen up to the forefront of a lot of parents’ and educators’ minds, and also in terms of employees, teams, and organizations. So much so that my “side business” is focused on training teams and workplaces in emotional intelligence, EQ Culture.
Does it surprise you to know that people with a high IQ can still have very poor emotional intelligence skills? People with high emotional intelligence tend to be much more successful in life. This is no coincidence.
We now know that IQ alone simply isn’t enough to achieve success in life, relationships, work, or wellbeing.
So why Emotional Intelligence is so crucial?
Let’s look at 10 reasons why Emotional Intelligence is so important for kids, according to recent research.
1. Emotional Intelligence cultivates strong emotional self-awareness.
Too many children don't know what they're feeling and why, and that can get them into trouble. I've worked with so many parents who say that it’s difficult to manage their kids. Sometimes they blow up, they meltdown, they lash out, seemingly without warning. Building emotional intelligence in our kids can raise and develop strong emotional self-awareness.
2. Emotional Intelligence builds self-confidence.
Children need a certain level of self-confidence to simply thrive in the classroom, playground, and beyond. We often wish our children to be assertive, and to have a positive sense of identity and sense of self.
3. Emotional Intelligence enables them to handle stress and anxiety better.
Research tells us that emotional intelligence is a protective factor against anxiety and depression. When adversity comes, we can be confident that our child will have the tools to handle it (with our support).
4. Emotional Intelligence helps children better manage aggressive people.
When a child with emotional intelligence skills interacts with someone in the classroom or playground who is aggressive or who is lashing out, they are better able to navigate the situation rather than getting caught in the crosshairs.
5. Emotional Intelligence allows them to perform better on academic testing.
This one can be a little surprising for some parents! Children who are able to manage stress, anxiety, pressure, and other emotions are better equipped to work in the classroom, and also in testing situations. Incredible isn’t it?
6. Emotional Intelligence supports a closer relationship between children and their parents.
This is not surprisingly one of the parents’ top reasons for bringing Emotional Intelligence into their family. It is so rewarding to know that your child will approach you when problems arise. I certainly want my two children to have a close relationship with me and my husband, at any age. Emotional Intelligence helps children be open about adversities, heartbreaks, and struggles. This is because the trust has been built, rather than being squashed over time from being scolded or ignored.
7. Emotional Intelligence cultivates good problem-solving capabilities in children.
It supports your child to work through tricky issues, solve problems and brainstorm options, and be creative thinkers. Creativity in problem-solving is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. One that is needed in the classroom, in the playground, in relationships in workplaces, and beyond. It’s virtually a lifelong skill.
8. Emotional Intelligence encourages sensitivity to the needs and emotions of others.
We are talking about empathy here! A critical skill for your child's relationships with other people, and it is another competency that makes up emotional intelligence. A child who lacks empathy, and seems to be egocentric, selfish, and only focused on what they want will not have a happy childhood or adulthood). Ones who are unable to share, take turns, and consider others’ feelings lack empathy and this will only affect them negatively.
9. Emotional Intelligence protects children against turning to drugs and alcohol to manage strong emotions.
Emotions such as disappointment, frustration, anger, loneliness, anxiety, all these big feelings exist on a spectrum and we all experience them. Our children are not immune to this. We cannot hope to prevent all adversity, so utilising Emotional Intelligence as a protective factor is critical. Children with emotional intelligence skills are less likely to use substances to cope with negative emotions, as they have learned to almost instinctively connect with those they love to find support instead.
10. Kids with emotional intelligence go on to earn more money in their careers than others.
Think of people who get the job that they want, who are able to confidently ask for a pay rise. They go above and beyond they have good relationships with people in their workplace, people want to work with them. People find them easier to communicate with, they're empathetic, and they help others.
When we raise emotionally intelligent children, we are building a future of people who are kind and empathetic, hardworking, driven, and motivated. Imagine a planet filled with strong, resilient people who intentionally look after wellbeing, can deal with setbacks, and actively support others to do so. This is an emotionally intelligent world!
I believe all of us parents want this. It is possible!
If this is resonating with you, I would love for you to get in touch and have a conversation about how we can make this happen in your family. Let’s do this!
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