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elping your school-aged child understand their emotions
can give them a boost in self-esteem and social skills.
Children in this age range are going through a lot of
developmental changes, growing from dependence to
independence. When they have the skills to master their
emotions independently, they’re likely to feel more successful in all areas of
functioning, from relationships and social skills to academics.
Teaching your child to recognize their emotions is the first step in
developing emotional intelligence. Help them to understand what they’re
feeling and why they may be experiencing that emotion. Develop their
emotional vocabulary by teaching them as many ways to describe their
emotions as possible. Emotional expression is a critical step in developing
emotional intelligence, so let them express their emotions in their own way
through art, music, writing, drawing and talking.
Emotional regulation is a central component to emotional management.
Help them develop strategies for emotional regulation by teaching
mindfulness, deep breathing, reframing negative thoughts, and reaching out
to trusted adults. Successful development of emotional intelligence can result
in an empathic, socially sophisticated, kind and caring child.Signs &
Behaviors
What You
Can DoD Model emotional intelligence
D Listen
D Be empathic
D Reflect and validate emotions
D Allow for emotional expression
D Teach mindfulness
D Talk about how you handle your
own emotions
D Use emotional expression in your
own life
D Teach them to pause before
acting
D Don’t shut down negative
emotions; rather, use them as a
moment to connect and teach
D Set good limits and boundaries
D Respect their safe choices and
praise them when they use
appropriate problem-solving skills
D Encourage play and humor
D Teach conflict resolution skills
D Identify and label your own
emotions when you are feeling
themConversation
Starters“
You look so happy today! Can you
show me where you feel it and
what happened that made you so
happy?”“
Why do you think she looks sad
right now? Can you think about
what might have happened to
make her sad?”“
Let’s talk about other choices
you could have made to avoid the
fight you just had with your sister.
What else could you have done
that might have been a better
choice or reaction?”q Decreased impulsivity
q Increased attentiveness
q Empathy
q Understands facial expressions
of others that convey emotional
meaning
q Shows kindness and compassion
for others
q Positive social skills
q Increased problem-solving
q Creativity
q Quick recovery from emotional outbursts
q Increased self-esteem
q Feels centered and regulated
q Emotionally tolerates negative emotions
q Socially active
q Decreased risk of anxiety and depressionV9 - FALL maskmatters.org