lking about emotions helps in explaining to the child that the emotions they feel are not unique and that everyone undergoes these feelings now and then. Being a friend and listening shows that you respect your child and that their matters are not trivial.
For older children it helps to discuss incidents that you may have experienced and how you tackled negative emotions. Mention times when your best friend suddenly stopped talking to you and what you felt at that time. Discuss how you feel disappointment when your child doesn’t pick up the toys. Such discussions will ensure that your child is ready to handle and address his emotions when the situation arises.
Last but not the least, it is critical that you reinforce positive feelings in your children and obviate negative ones. Moving on with life, leaving the bad experiences behind, ensures a happier and more cheerful child. If negative thoughts and experiences are not purged from memory caches, they are likely to be sparked off by some stimuli at a later date and can result in impractical and emotionally charged behavior. Teach your child to hold on to positive feelings and remember them in times of stress.
There are five core competencies in emotional intelligence that, if learned, provide children with a successful foundation in life. These include
o Social Skills
Let’s take a look at each intelligence or emotional skill over the over the next several weeks and learn how each contributes positively to a child’s success.
Post Doctoral Work: (1996-1998) Institute of Transpersonal Psychology; focus on Women’s Psychology and on Wellness
Doctorate of Education: (1979-1983) The George Washington University, My degree is in Counseling Psychology, with the major, Human Development and Leadership and a minor in Special Education.
Masters of Communication: (1972-73) Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio TX. Major was language and minor was learning disabilities.
Bachelor of Science: (1971) Oklahoma University of Liberal Arts, Major was Speech Therapy and Deaf Education.
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