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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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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Practicing Emotional Intelligence During Covid-19
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Technology Loneliness: EQ Tips from Daniel Goleman
In the chaos of contemporary life, how do we maintain connection to self and others? Two of the world’s preeminent experts on emotional intelligence, Daniel Goleman and Joshua Freedman, discuss in an engaging Q&A.
Daily Practices for Increasing EQ (#27)
You know emotional intelligence is useful… but HOW do you actually use it on a daily basis?
Parenting in Transitions (#26)
We’re in this highly volatile, lonely, stressful context… for many families school is starting and jobs are changing: How do we parent now?
3 EQ Parenting Tips to Build Trust (updated)
Want less fighting at home? Three tips every parent can use to forge compromise. Bonus Poster for your fridge. Build trusting relationships with your children and even at work with Collaborative Parenting strategies.
