Emotional Intelligence in Children: Why It Is as Important as Academics
In today’s rapidly paced and achievement-oriented society, educational achievement is perceived as the finest definition of child development. Grades, results, and ranking are given quite a bit of prominence. There is another crucial component of child development that defines the future of the child as effectively as the other factor, which is emotional intelligence.
“Emotional intelligence, or EQ, refers to a child’s capacity to understand and manage emotions and empathise with others. While academics hone the mind, EQ develops the heart. Both comprise the essentials of a well-rounded person.”
Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Children
Emotional intelligence starts early in a person’s life. The components involve self-awareness, managing emotions, empathy, motivation, and social abilities. Children who possess high emotional intelligence are able to understand their feelings and deal with them effectively in addition to having effective responses towards others. These abilities empower a child to face relationships in their classroom or surroundings effectively.
Whereas for academics, a person needs to memorise facts, when it comes to emotional intelligence, the process is attained through experiences, teaching, and emotional support.
Why Emotional Intelligence Is As Important As Academics
1. Forges Stronger Bonds
Children with high EQ are able to communicate more effectively, listen actively, and exhibit empathy. As a result, children are able to establish good friendships and retain good relations with teachers and classmates. Friendships and relationships are very important for emotional and academic engagement.
2. Improves Academic Performance
Emotionally regulated children are able to cope better with the pressure, concentration, and exams. If children are able to manage anxiety and frustration, then their minds are more receptive towards learning and problem-solving. Emotional intelligence helps them cope better with concentration, persistence, and optimism.
3. Builds Resilience & Coping Ability
Failure and setbacks are a natural part of childhood development. Children with emotional intelligence learn to accept failure and try again, and this trait of resilience is extremely important not only in academics but in life in general. Don’t give up!
4. Promotes Self
Children who are aware of their feelings feel more in control. Building self-confidence and independence, confident children are more likely to take part, share their thoughts, and find their potential. Children with self-confidence feel safe to experiment and explore.
5. Prepares Children for Life Beyond School
Adulthood success cannot be achieved without emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, adaptability, or empathy. Though knowledge brings success, emotional intelligence ensures children succeed once they enter through the opened door. Emotional intelligence molds responsible, caring, and aware citizens.
The Importance of Schools, Teachers, & EQ
Schools today have an immense role to play when it comes to the overall development of emotional intelligence and academics together. Classroom teachers who provide a nurturing and supportive environment help children to share emotions, respect differences, and resolve conflicts peacefully. Group discussions, joint activities, storytelling, and reflective activities are some effective ways to make children emotionally intelligent.
When emotional learning is integrated into everyday routines, children understand that emotions, rather than hindering learning, are a component of it.
Achieving Harmony in Emotional and Intellectual Development
Education is well-rounded. This is because a child who may be academically sound and emotionally challenged may have problems coping with the realities of life. A child who may have strong emotional intelligence and is not academically well-exposed may be falling short of their potential. This is only possible if both are combined.
Emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill, a life skill. Emotional intelligence can be instilled in children from a very young age so that they can be prepared for life, and not just for exams. In Harshad Valia International School (CBSE), we strongly propagate the idea that education cannot be limited to the boundaries of a textbook. All of us believe that a child needs to grow up into a confident, caring, and capable individual.
Related read: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Students: The Classroom Beyond Academics
