What does it mean to parent with emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is “being smarter with feelings.” EQ is a powerful set of learnable skills that can help us to become more aware, make better choices, and be more purposeful in our parenting.
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The best way to grow EQ skills at home
EQ-101 for Parents
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Why parent with emotional intelligence?
Research indicates that increased Emotional Intelligence leads to better health, academic achievement, and stronger relationships! It’s a learnable, measurable, scientifically-grounded skill set that helps children…
- Navigate increasing complexity and stress
- Foster positive, healthy relationships
- Spark innovation and resilience
- Nourish compassion and inner peace
- Grow as a positive change-maker
The skills of emotional intelligence are learned — and we think parents are the most important people to teach these life-changing, world-changing skills.
Three tips to start now!
Three Key Ideas on Parenting with Emotional Intelligence
1.See Emotions as Data
As parents, we’re faced with a lot of complex feelings — ours and our children’s. It’s easy to be overwhelmed. Some parents push feelings aside, other parents give feelings too much power. Instead, consider emotions as information. “Oh, that’s interesting. I wonder what this feeling means?”
This attitude of curiosity helps us find value and insight from feelings while stepping back from reacting.
2. Hold Onto Your Choices
Sometimes we think, “there’s nothing I can do,” or, “my child is always going to be ____” or, “she will never ____.” We’ve tried telling, yelling, time-outs… and we’re ready to pop. Remember, parenting is a many-years-long marathon, and it gets exhausting. And, that also means we have many chances to try again. To learn, to experiment: We have choices.
This attitude of learning helps us parents remain resilient as we continue to adapt to kids’ changing needs.
3. Keep Parenting on Purpose
Parenting is one of the most powerful ways to affect the future. As parents, we directly influence not only our children, but a whole generation of young people who will lead, innovate, grow — and, many of whom will also be parents in turn. When we feel connected to our own sense of purpose-as-parents, it gives us perspective. The small things remain small. Purpose becomes a guide to help us navigate the complexities.
This focus on the long-term, and putting our vision into action, helps us maintain balance and energy.
How we can help
Want more EQ in Parenting?
- Read a free excerpt of Whole-Hearted Parenting by Josh Freedman (details)
- Talk to us about hosting a workshop (form below)
- Receive 1-1 training from an EQ parent coach (form below)
What’s new in emotional intelligence?
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Emotion, Feeling, Mood: What’s the Difference?
The neuroscience is fascinating, emotions are immediate biological signals, feelings come later, and moods build up over time.
87 Ways to Be Kind and Loving
Sometimes if feels impossible to be kind and loving. When you’re struggling to access that loving place inside of you, give these expert tips for how to be kind a try.
The Algebra of Coaching 🌱 Through Challenge
When people face emotional challenges, it’s… well… emotional. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by big feelings of fear & distress, and while sometimes psychological help is needed, most of the time some basic EQ coaching techniques make a big difference. Here’s how.
The Myth of Winning: 3 Steps to Stand Together as Allies
Here’s why we make the boss, a colleague, a customer, spouses and lovers, and even our children into enemies — and a better way. It starts with our brains, and being addicted to the pleasure of righteousness.
Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions: Feelings Wheel
Make sense of emotions with this interactive feelings wheel. Robert Plutchik’s wheel of emotions explained – guide & free download
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