❤️ Social-Emotional
"Children develop self-regulation through co-regulation. When you stay calm during their storm, you're teaching their brain how to calm down."
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and empathize with others. Research shows EQ matters more than IQ for long-term success—including better relationships, academic performance, and mental health. It's the foundation for all other learning.
Emotional Development by Age
- 0-12 months: Shows basic emotions (happy, sad, angry), seeks comfort from caregivers
- 12-24 months: Temper tantrums begin, shows affection, understands simple emotions
- 24-36 months: Identifies emotions in others, begins to share, has more complex feelings
- 3-5 years: Manages simple emotions, takes turns, develops empathy
Activities
Naming Feelings
"Feeling Faces"
What: Draw faces with different emotions together
Why: Helps children recognize and name emotions
How: "This face looks sad. When do you feel sad?"
Age: 1-5 years
Emotion Coaching
"Validate & Guide"
What: Name your child's emotions and help them cope
Why: Builds emotional awareness and regulation
How: "I see you're angry because the toy broke. Let's take deep breaths together."
Age: 0-5 years
Empathy Building
"How Would You Feel?"
What: Ask questions about others' feelings
Why: Develops empathy and perspective-taking
How: "If your friend fell down, how would they feel?"
Age: 2-5 years
Self-Regulation Games
"Freeze Dance"
What: Dance when music plays, freeze when it stops
Why: Practices self-control and listening skills
Age: 1-5 years
"Deep Breathing Bubbles"
What: Blow bubbles while practicing deep breaths
Why: Teaches calming techniques
How: "Breathe in slowly... now breathe out and blow a big bubble!"
Age: 2-5 years
Dealing with Big Feelings
"Calm-Down Corner"
What: Create a cozy space with books and stuffed animals
Why: Gives children a safe place to calm down
How: "When you feel upset, you can go to the calm-down corner to feel better."
Age: 2-5 years
"Time-In" vs "Time-Out"
Time-out: Sends a child away to think about their behavior (can feel shaming)
Time-in: Sits with the child and helps them calm down (teaches coping skills)
Research shows time-in builds connection and helps children learn to regulate their emotions better than time-out.
The Importance of Connection
Children learn emotional skills through connected relationships with caregivers. When you respond warmly to their needs, you build a safe base for them to explore the world. Simple acts like cuddling, listening, and praising effort help build strong emotional foundations.