Emotional intelligence is a hot term these days, and for good reason. Science backs up why having a heightened E.Q. is an incredibly valuable skill. There’s a good chance that many of the people you respect, admire, and want to emulate have a high level of emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware, have empathy for others, and are great at maintaining relationships.
As people, there is huge value in being emotionally intelligent. And, that value is just as important to have as parents. Emotionally intelligent parents are able to connect with their children in deep and meaningful ways. These types of parents are emotionally healthy adults that recognize emotional expression, see expression as an opportunity to connect, label emotions in words, and carry the torch for the next generation of emotionally healthy adults.
Before we can start raising an emotionally intelligent child, we should take a few moments to understand what E.Q is, and why emotional intelligence in children in essential-- especially in today’s day and age.
What is emotional intelligence in kids?
As simple as it sounds, emotional intelligence in children is when they are in touch with emotions (their own, as well as others) and are able to manage their emotions. When a child is emotionally intelligent, they will be able to use that understanding for emotions to: solve a problem, make a decision, or change something. In simple terms, they will act in emotionally healthy ways that foster healthier social relationships. A child will be able to respectfully set limits and also adhere to the boundaries of others. Building emotional intelligence in kids sets them up for a lifetime as emotionally healthy adults.
Why is emotional intelligence in kids essential?
There are many reasons why raising an emotionally intelligent child is important. Here are four reasons that provide more understanding:
Having empathy and good communication abilities become important skills as children get older and find themselves in more social situations where they are expected to behave in a certain way, like in school or at the library. Emotional intelligence in kids helps them to understand how to communicate effectively. They will understand verbal cues. An emotionally intelligent child understands that screaming is connected to someone else’s emotion rather than their own, and it doesn’t require them to have to scream back. They are able to remove their own emotions from more emotional situations. Emotional intelligence helps your child understand social situations and the people that are in them for what they are.
You may be thinking, “Gosh, my child can actually be the first one to scream. Can they become emotionally intelligent?” The short answer is yes. You may not witness magic overnight, but with practice and consistency, your child will become more emotionally intelligent. You’ve got this, and so do does your child!

Raising an emotionally intelligent child makes a true and positive difference in your child’s life for the long haul. It also helps to strengthen the bonds between you and your child now. Emotional intelligence is what fuels your child to engage and interact with the world around them in healthy ways, rather than just going through the motions and doing what they see others doing. Your child is a future adult that will shape the world in the future. And, they are a child that can do so now by fostering emotional intelligence.