February 17, 2024

Quote of the Week

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." --Maya Angelou

How To Build Emotional Intelligence In Kids

Emotional intelligence is our ability to identify emotions in ourselves and others, understand these emotions, and then use them to guide our thinking and behavior. Research tells us that the skills required for emotional intelligence are partly determined by our genetics, our biology, and the functions of our brain. For example, very young children do not yet have the ability to express their emotions with words. And empathy is a skill that does not develop fully until middle childhood.

However, research also tells us that emotional intelligence skills are not static traits that never change. They are skills that can be taught and learned, and can improve over time. And if we work within the limits of our biology, and focus on building skills in an age appropriate way, our children can become better at them. We can build and nurture children’s emotional intelligence skills through modeling, mindfulness, play, and connection. Learn more from this week's featured article from Mindful Little Minds about how to develop your child's self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

Reading Corner

Title: Stand In My Shoes
By: Bob Sornson
Recommended Ages: 5-8

"When Emily asks her big sister what the word empathy means, she discovers an answer that will change how she looks at people. Stand in My Shoes shows kids how easy it is to develop empathy toward those around them. Empathy is the ability to notice what other people feel. Empathy is the foundation for all social skills and personal relationships, which make our lives richer and more beautiful. This book teaches young children the value of noticing how other people feel." --Publishers

Be the Change

Watch this heartwarming video with your kids to share a stellar example of empathy by some young soccer players. Ask your kids for examples of empathy they have witnessed at school this week!