Develop Child's Emotional Quotient Since Early Stage

More often than not, parents are focusing only on developing a child’s intellectual quotient. It may be based on a general assumption that children who are successful academically, will seize golden opportunities in the future. Whereas, there are other types of quotient that can be explored from a child, i.e. spiritual quotient, creativity, and no less important, emotional quotient.

What does it mean by emotionally smart? Basically, it means a child is aware of the emotions he feels, as well as other people’s feelings. Second, it means a child has the ability to respond to others with empathy. Therefore, developing a child’s emotional quotient is very important in order to form a good personality as an adult. With a good personality, your child will surely have good ethics as well.

The process of developing emotional quotient is very related to the parenting style that you applied at home. The common types of parenting style are explained below:

• This style is more passive in discipline, parents tend to accept and being soft. In addition, parents are often give unlimited ‘freedom’ to child to act as he wishes.
• Authoritative. Parents stay firm but still protect the child. This parenting style encourage a child to be independent and to have freedom, but there are still limitations and control.
• In this parenting style, parents demand high compliance of a child. Parents are often giving punishments, limitations, tend to be stiff, and dictator.
• Neglectful. A child tends to be neglected due to lack of parenting commitment in parents.

In forming emotional quotient of a child, a balance between attention, discipline, affection, and warmth are needed. Thus, parenting style that is authoritative, is the best to stimulate emotional quotient of a child. If a child does positive things, provide appreciation. Otherwise, when he makes mistakes, give reasonable consequences. Do not forget to explain why it is important to be applied.

What can you do to develop your child’s emotional quotient? Check out the tips below:

• Understand your child’s point of view. Recognize that your point of view is different than that of your child. It would be easier to give understanding if you understand his point of view. The feeling that he is being understood by his parents would train his empathy.
• Listen to his opinion. Do not ever underestimate the moment when your child is giving expressions or opinions. To form a good emotional quotient, you have to be able to listen to his opinions.
• Teach him how to solve problems. This should be done so that your child is used to solve his own problems. This will stimulate independency. He has to know that he should be able to come up with solution, not just complaining.
• Be a good example. Show positive and responsible behaviors, both at home and outside. This will be the foundation of your child to behave in daily situation.

Developing your child’s emotional quotient will shape his future. In fact, it is not impossible that you may also learn something when you walk on the process. Good luck!