I see life as a continuous journey of developing my emotional intelligence. Relationships blossom when people emotionally connected. I believe parents play a large part in their children’s emotional development by how proficient they are in listening to and empathizing with their children. This requires parents own continual self-reflection and self-improvement.
Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence Why it can matter more than I.Q, describes four areas comprising Emotional Intelligence.
- Emotional Self-Awareness
- Managing Emotions
- Empathy – Reading Emotions
- Handling Relationships
As a parent educator, I focus on teaching parents how to increase their emotional awareness. E.Q. can be taught and learned by focusing on 5 skill areas.
- Self-reflect on why you feel the way you do.
- Learn to label your feelings so others understand you better. Don’t assume others can read your mind.
- Accept your own feelings without judgment. Also, learn how to accept the feelings of others as being their own truth. Work on not judging others according to your viewpoint. This includes your children.
- Learn how to share and discuss emotional moments.
- Continually strive to manage your own emotions. Explore what thoughts about situations or people are triggering emotional outbursts that are creating disharmony in your family.
We are born as emotional beings. How were emotions handled in your childhood family?
©2013 Cynthia Klein has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. February 6, 2013 she will be teaching about Emotional Intelligence at Parents Place in Palo Alt. She works with dads, moms and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, webinars, and private parent coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the magazine Parenting on the Peninsula. Contact Cynthia at bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com or call 650. 341.0779.
