We cannot force growth and maturation , but there are a few things we can do to facilitate growth , and one of the biggest ways we can support healthy brain development is to teach our children emotions regulation skills . With practice and repetition , they can improve their executive functions and build strong circuitry that leads to emotional health and wellbeing . Talking to our kids about how to recognize , name , tame , and process their feelings is paramount to raising an emotionally intelligent person . Nurturing emotional intelligence sets our children up for success . Studies show that children with high EQs have better relationships , stay in school longer , get better grades , are less likely to smoke , and also make better leaders . So , as you can see , how we handle our feelings is a big deal ! Teaching kids how to calm down when they have BIG emotions is a core component of emotional intelilgence . If we teach them science-based strategies that are simple and fun , the strategies are more likely to stick . Be sure to practice these techniques when your child is calm and relaxed , not just in times of stress . Here are 10 playful ways to help kids calm down .
• Yoga games . Science shows that physical activity is good for growing executive function skills . Yoga is great to introduce your child to because it combines physical activity with mindfulness , and using yoga games adds in that playful element that makes kids want to participate . It can be as simple as Follow the Leader or Simon Says .
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