The easiest time to learn new skills and even languages is when you’re young; In fact scientists have shown that children under 6 have brains like sponges; they literally absorb information.
This emphasizes why it is so important to find a good early childcare centre, such as child care belfield and give your child the best possible start in life.
Of course learning hard facts and statistics is only part of the battle. This is also the best time to start teaching your child emotional intelligence.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
In short this is simply the recognition of emotions and when they should be used. Although an early education center will help your child to learn emotionally intelligence there are several things you can do to help them develop this valuable skill.
Lead By Example
If you fly off the handle at a moment’s notice and lose control then your children are going to think this is acceptable emotional behavior.
As you have matured you have probably devised ways of dealing with difficult situations. Now you need to be aware that you’re be watched closely. It’s time to use your breathing techniques, count to ten and anything else you need to do.
Pausing for at least 5 seconds before you react teaches your children emotional control and helps you to deal with any situation properly.
Recognize Emotion
It’s essential that you recognize your children’s emotions. Children may struggle to understand the difference between emotions and their right to do what they want.
You can allow them to express their emotion and their opinion. This will help them to feel acknowledged and worthwhile; even if they ultimately need to do what you’ve said.
Recognize The Ambience
It is common that a child reacts completely out of proportion to a specific incident. This is generally because they have been storing up their emotions and have just found an outlet.
To help them overcome this you need to encourage them to express all their emotions and that they should all be accepted; even if the resulting action must be limited.
The best way to do this is to simply talk to your child. Show that you understand.
Listen
No one is perfect, emotions are part of being human and expressing them is healthy. But rage turning into violence is an issue. You need to encourage your child to share how they feel. You don’t need to judge the feelings or tell them they are right or wrong.
Simply allowing them to express their feelings will give them a safe outlet; this will help the emotions to pass; especially when you’re dealing with rage.
Emotional Breathing
There are times when your emotions threaten to encompass you. That’s when you need to step away or take a deep breath; perhaps even meditate.
Teaching your child to use the same techniques will help them to pause and to realize that not all emotions need to be acted on.
This will also encourage the opportunity for children to communicate with each other and explain their feelings; allowing them to come to an understanding of each other and the situation they are in.
It’s not easy teaching emotional intelligence but it is important to deal with your child’s emotions and not choose to ignore them or override them.
International Journal of Research (IJR) 