{"id":1224,"date":"2022-03-31T11:55:54","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T08:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moga.hesed.bg\/?p=1224"},"modified":"2022-04-12T14:06:26","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T11:06:26","slug":"kak-da-razviem-emocionalnata-inteligentnost-na-decata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moga.hesed.bg\/en\/kak-da-razviem-emocionalnata-inteligentnost-na-decata\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Develop Children\u2019s Emotional Intelligence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following up on the topic of temper tantrums<\/a>, in this article we are going to discuss what to do not during the emotional crises, but in the calm moments in-between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the child is going through the tantrum, overwhelmed by strong emotions (and we are struggling not to be overwhelmed ourselves), we can only rely on \u201clifelines\u201d such as staying calm, secure boundaries and empathy, and wait for the emotion to subside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, holding onto a lifeline doesn\u2019t mean that the storm won\u2019t break out again. What can actually reduce and stop tantrums is the child gradually learning how to control their emotions, instead of the emotions controlling them.<\/strong>This happens most effectively when the child is calm and can think rationally. At that point we are presented with the priceless opportunity to develop the child\u2019s emotional intelligence<\/strong><\/mark>, or in other words, the ability to understand and manage one\u2019s emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is emotional intelligence so important? A number of studies have shown that it's directly related to cognitive intelligence and academic success. The brain of a child who is anxious, angry or scared simply doesn\u2019t have the full potential to learn. On the other hand, the more adept a child is at managing their emotions and emotional reactions, the easier it will be for them to cope with studying, school requirements and social relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 4 <\/strong>ways<\/strong>, in which we can cultivate children's emotional intelligence.<\/strong> The good news is that it's all a matter of practice. Repetitive actions activate and strengthen certain neural \u201cpathways\u201d in the brain, and so they become more likely to be used in the future. We can start working purposefully in this direction as early as the infant stage. Whether through stories, songs, games or roleplay - the most effective ways to limit the feared tantrums are actually easy and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\tGames for recognising emotions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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In order for children to be able to regulate their emotions, they should be able to recognise them first. That why it\u2019s a good idea start building up their emotions vocabulary early on and to encourage them to actively use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A simple and fun exercise for developing emotional intelligence is the mirror game<\/strong>. Name an emotion and act it out with your child as artistically as possible while looking in the mirror. Take turns thinking about emotions and demonstrating them. Try to guess which emotion the other one is performing. Nowadays, instead of a mirror, we can use the selfie camera on our phones and do a fun photo session with different emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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