Is teaching children emotional intelligence a solution to many of society’s problems?

Young children, especially babies and toddlers, often show behaviors like tantrums. If not guided properly, these behaviors might lead to problems fitting in with others. That’s why teaching kids how to deal with their feelings is important for their growth and happiness – and thus society as a whole.

Now, how does emotional intelligence fit into this picture?

The factsEmotional intelligence is linked to the ability to recognize and control one’s emotions. As a matter of fact, a person with high emotional intelligence is better able to forge relationships, lower team stress, diffuse tension, and increase job satisfaction.

Emotional reactions such as sobbing, frustration, hunger, and pain are innate in children. But as they become older, they discover more feelings.

Psychologist Paul Eckman proposed that six fundamental emotions are felt by people in all cultures. He classified these emotions as happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, and fury. Other studies also included interest and shame to the list.

People who self-regulate typically don’t allow themselves to become too angry or jealous, and they don’t make impulsive, careless decisions. That is why psychologist have reiterated the need for parents, especially, to nurture children to understand the different types of emotions and how to deal with them at every stage.

The arguments

The capacity to identify, diagnose, and respond to others’ emotions is just as important as the skill to communicate and control one’s own emotions. While some researchers say emotional intelligence is an innate trait, others argue that it can be developed and improved upon.

According to several researches, toddlers find fear to be the most challenging emotion. At this age, parents are encouraged to start talking to their children about emotions and encouraging them to name those emotions using age-appropriate methods.

By age two, children can learn coping mechanisms for challenging emotions. They have the ability, for example, to avoid circumstances that bring them discomforts.

Experts insist that children need to be taught emotional intelligence to help them navigate life. Parents are the primary contacts when it comes to emotional intelligence. Afterall, charity, they say, begins at home. How you express and deal with your emotions in the presence of your children goes a long way. For instance, parents should as calmly as possible explain to their children why they felt anger or disgust in certain circumstances. Children are naturally curious. Don’t take it out on them if they ask why you are in a bad mood. Better still, let them know you need some time to cool or suggest to them you need something like a hug to feel better. This helps the child resonates with how they feel at certain times and how to deal with it properly.

On the other hand, the lack of emotional intelligence has some grave consequences on the individual and the society. The inability to have control over emotions might cause emotional numbness, tantrums, or regular mood swings. The environmental component ensues when children end up becoming needy and uncaring since they have had to fend for themselves and had no one to care for them. Such influences are likely to arise from schools, social centres, the community, as well as the homes of some children.

Without being completely in control of themselves, they frequently relive their early experiences. Children without emotional intelligence have the potential of becoming vicious and problematic adults. If not controlled early, such persons repeatedly make mistakes in their personal lives, relationships, and work places. They end up blaming others for being irresponsible.

Children are well behaved and are smart enough to walk away from situations without giving it unnecessary attention, when they are skilled with managing their emotions. For instance, an emotionally matured child will walk away from the abuse of a constant bully or better still stand up for himself or others and then move on.

Schools have also been encouraged to teach its importance. Therefore, acknowledging and labelling emotions enhances children’s comprehension of their feelings throughout certain moments. It helps them to value emotional intelligence and better control their emotions and respond appropriately to various circumstances.

Another reason why emotional is important is because of the ability to have empathy towards others and improve effective communication. This prevents misunderstandings, and unnecessary fights.

Emotional intelligence education is essential for kids’ academic, social, and personal growth. They are equipped with life-saving abilities and fortitude required to overcome obstacles, form gratifying connections, and prosper in a variety of spheres of their existence.