So how can we as adults foster EI in children?
Acknowledge the child’s perspective and allow expression. This
does not suggest that you agree to the child’s actions, but rather that
you see the situation from their side as well as yours. Acknowledging a
child’s emotions makes it easier for them to understand and work through
a difficult situation. Feeling understood does not merely strengthen the
mutual relationship, but also models empathy. This positive experience
motivates the child to copy this modelled behaviour. It is important
to acknowledge a child’s emotions. Disapproval of fear or anger won’t
stop the child from having those feelings, but it may well force them to
repress them or to act out. This secondary behaviour is often observed
as academic underperformance; symptoms of depression; acting out
behaviour; poor attention and concentration in class; attention-seeking
behaviour, etc. Unfortunately, repressed feelings don’t fade. It often
evolves into unhealthy coping mechanisms and insecurities.
September/November 2015•