Catalyst for Business is committed to showing how emotional intelligence can be taught to children while highlighting why it matters for long-term success. It is becoming more widely accepted that skills like empathy, resilience, and self-awareness are as important as academic achievements. This can also help improve mental health.
The Commerce Institute reports that an estimated 4.7 million businesses are started each year. You should realize that future entrepreneurs will need more than technical skills to survive in competitive markets, which makes early education in emotional intelligence essential. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Emotional Skills Matter
A study cited by Build Emotional Intelligence found that only 36% of global citizens are highly emotionally intelligent. You should understand that this gap creates challenges in leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution across every sector.
It is clear that children who develop emotional awareness early are better prepared to lead and collaborate later in life. You can see how this preparation benefits not only individuals but also the companies they will one day run.
Societal Expectations
The 2021 Porter Novelli Purpose Premium Index found that 75 percent of Americans say it is no longer acceptable for companies just to make money; they must positively impact society too. You should recognize that this societal expectation means tomorrow’s business leaders must also have a foundation in empathy and ethical decision-making.
It is important to note that businesses that embrace emotional intelligence can better meet these demands. You should see that teaching children these skills now creates future leaders capable of balancing profit and purpose.
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Classroom and Family Benefits
There are many examples of schools and families introducing emotional intelligence training with positive results. You can notice that children who learn emotional regulation tend to have fewer behavioral problems and stronger relationships.
It is well documented that classrooms adopting emotional intelligence programs experience more cooperation and fewer conflicts. You should observe that this creates better learning environments and prepares children for adulthood.
Preparing for Entrepreneurship
There are millions of young people who dream of running their own companies someday. You should recognize that many will enter fields where stress, debt, and rapid change are unavoidable.
It is valuable for these children to develop the ability to manage both their emotions and relationships early. You should keep in mind that emotional intelligence training prepares them to thrive as leaders when they face complex challenges.
Long-Term Business Impact
It is widely accepted that businesses thrive when leaders display high levels of empathy and self-awareness. You should remember that developing these qualities in children makes economic sense as well as personal sense.
There are studies showing that companies with emotionally intelligent leaders outperform competitors in areas such as retention and culture. You can see that this strengthens the case for starting emotional training as early as possible.
Global Perspective
There are significant differences in how emotional skills are taught around the world. You should consider that some countries prioritize it in early education while others ignore it entirely.
It is troubling that less than half of global citizens demonstrate high emotional awareness. You should recognize that creating businesses centered on children’s emotional training could address this imbalance.
Opportunity for Entrepreneurs
There are opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch ventures dedicated to children’s emotional development. You should note that parents are increasingly willing to invest in after-school programs that provide more than academic tutoring.
It is an emerging market with potential for growth and social good. You should view this as a business chance that aligns financial sustainability with meaningful contributions to society.
Emotional intelligence (EI), sometimes called emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It also involves recognizing the emotions of others and responding with empathy and care. While academic skills are important, emotional intelligence is just as critical for a child’s long-term well-being, social success, and mental health.
In this article, we’ll explore why emotional intelligence matters, how it develops, and simple ways parents, teachers, and caregivers can help children grow into emotionally intelligent individuals.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Children with high emotional intelligence often have stronger relationships, better self-control, and a more positive outlook on life. They’re better at solving problems, working in teams, and handling stress.
A 2011 study published in Child Development found that children with higher emotional intelligence perform better academically, have better mental health, and experience fewer behavioral problems 【1】.
EI isn’t fixed. Like reading or math, emotional skills can be taught and practiced from an early age.
The Five Key Components of Emotional Intelligence
According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence includes five main components:
1. Self-Awareness
This is the ability to recognize and name your own emotions. For kids, it starts with understanding simple feelings like happy, sad, angry, or scared.
2. Self-Regulation
Children learn to control their emotions and actions—such as calming down after frustration or waiting their turn.
3. Motivation
Emotionally intelligent children know how to stay focused and bounce back from setbacks.
4. Empathy
This means understanding and caring about how others feel. It helps children build friendships and act kindly.
5. Social Skills
Kids with good social skills know how to communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
How Emotional Intelligence Develops in Children
Children aren’t born knowing how to express emotions. They learn by watching, experiencing, and practicing.
Between ages 2 and 5, kids begin to identify emotions in themselves and others. By school age, they start to regulate those emotions and navigate more complex social situations. These years are critical for shaping emotional intelligence.
Parents, caregivers, and educators play a key role in modeling and teaching these skills every day.
Practical Ways to Build Emotional Intelligence in Kids
1. Name and Validate Emotions
Start by helping children label their feelings. Instead of saying “Don’t cry,” try:
“I see you’re sad because your toy broke. That’s okay to feel that way.”
Labeling feelings helps children become aware of them, which is the first step toward managing them.
According to research published in Emotion journal, children who learn to name emotions have fewer behavior problems and better social interactions 【2】.
2. Teach Calming Techniques
When kids feel overwhelmed, teach simple ways to calm down. Try:
- Deep breathing (like blowing up an imaginary balloon)
- Drawing or coloring
- Taking a break in a quiet space
- Using “feeling thermometers” to describe emotions
With regular practice, children will start using these tools on their own.
3. Encourage Problem-Solving
Instead of solving every issue for your child, guide them through the process:
- “What happened?”
- “How do you feel?”
- “What could you do next time?”
This helps children reflect and learn from their experiences rather than just reacting.
4. Model Healthy Emotional Behavior
Children learn most by watching adults. If you express your own feelings calmly and respectfully, they’re more likely to do the same.
For example, instead of yelling when you’re frustrated, try saying:
“I’m feeling really stressed right now. I’m going to take a few deep breaths before we talk.”
This models both self-awareness and regulation.
5. Practice Empathy Daily
Use real-life moments to teach empathy. Ask:
- “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
- “What can we do to help them feel better?”
Books and movies are also great ways to explore emotions. Pause during a story and ask what a character might be feeling and why.
Fostering EI in Schools and Classrooms
Teachers can nurture emotional intelligence in school settings by:
- Starting the day with emotional check-ins
- Using conflict-resolution tools like “peace corners” or feelings charts
- Teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) programs
Programs like Second Step or RULER have been proven to reduce bullying, increase academic achievement, and boost student well-being 【3】.
A 2021 report from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) showed that students in SEL programs had an 11% gain in academic performance on average 【4】.
Signs of Strong Emotional Intelligence in Children
You might notice a child with good emotional intelligence if they:
- Can talk about their feelings clearly
- Handle disappointment with fewer meltdowns
- Apologize and make amends after hurting someone
- Offer comfort when someone is sad
- Solve conflicts peacefully
Remember, no child is perfect. These skills develop over time with patience and consistency.
What to Do When Your Child Struggles Emotionally
If your child has frequent emotional outbursts, trouble expressing feelings, or difficulty getting along with peers, they might need extra support. That doesn’t mean something is wrong—it just means they need more guidance.
Here’s what can help:
- Keep routines consistent
- Praise effort, not just results
- Avoid punishing emotional expression
- Consult with a school counselor or child therapist if needed
Final Thoughts
Building emotional intelligence in children isn’t about teaching them to be happy all the time. It’s about helping them understand and cope with all emotions—joy, anger, fear, sadness, and everything in between.
When we nurture these skills, we give children the tools they need to succeed in school, build strong relationships, and grow into resilient, compassionate adults.
Start today. Every story you read together, every emotion you name, and every hug you give matters.
It is clear that teaching emotional intelligence to children is not just about personal growth but also about preparing tomorrow’s business leaders. You should see that blending empathy, resilience, and leadership skills into early education creates stronger adults and stronger companies.
There are millions of businesses launched each year, and many will struggle without emotionally aware leaders. You should recognize that investing in children’s emotional intelligence today builds the foundation for healthier businesses and communities tomorrow.
References
- Denham, S.A., et al. (2011). Preschool emotional competence: Pathway to social and academic success. Child Development.
- Cameron, C.E., et al. (2021). Emotional labeling and behavior regulation in young children. Emotion.
- Domitrovich, C.E., et al. (2017). Enhancing student success through evidence-based social and emotional learning. Psychology in the Schools.
- CASEL. (2021). 2021 SEL Impact Report. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. https://casel.org