Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence in 5 Practical Steps

Emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of a child’s cognitive development, encompassing their ability to understand, manage, and express their emotions while empathizing with others. In the Provo City School District, we recognize the immense value of cultivating emotional intelligence in our students. Our curriculum and teachers are not only dedicated to academic excellence but to fostering emotional well-being, too.

We take pride in our commitment to trauma-informed teaching models encompassing the development of social skills and emotional regulation training– and we know you are, too.

If you’re concerned or interested in developing emotional intelligence at home, look no further. Here’s five ways to work with your child to develop emotional intelligence at home.

Daily Emotion Check-ins

Set aside a few minutes each day to discuss emotions. Ask about your child’s day and how they felt. This routine normalizes emotional conversations and helps them open up.

Ask Questions During Storytime

Read a book together and discuss the characters’ emotions. Ask questions like “How do you think they felt?” and “What would you do in that situation?” Simple during-reading questions can boost empathetic thinking, aiding in their ability to think critically about diverse perspectives.

Emotion Journaling

Introduce a journal where your child can write or draw about their daily activities. Encourage them to jot down what made them happy, sad, or excited. This practice can aid your child in identifying emotional triggers.

Calm-Down Corner

Create a designated space where your child can calm down when upset. Fill it with sensory items like stress balls, calming music, or a soft blanket. Remind them that they can use this space when needed.

Feelings-Focused Playdates

During playdates, prompt discussions about emotions. Engage in conversations about feelings using their toys and playtime, guiding your child to understand diverse perspectives and conflict resolution. Ask questions like “How did that make you feel?” or “What would you do if you were in their shoes?”

Nothing is more important to us than your student’s well-being and development. With these tips, we hope you feel supported in preparing your child for what the future brings.

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