Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a major role in shaping children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Defined as the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively, EI includes components such as self-awareness, empathy, motivation, and social skills. This article aims to understand children’s relationship with their emotions and emphasizes the importance of cultivating EI in children from an early age. It outlines the benefits of doing so across various developmental stages ranging from improved relationships and academic performance to better stress management and mental health. It also highlights how educators and parents can play an active role in nurturing emotional intelligence through consistent modeling, storytelling, mindfulness practices, emotional check-ins, and interactive activities. The article further presents strategies for addressing specific emotions like anger and sadness, along with practical tools. By integrating emotional learning into everyday experiences, adults can help children become more emotionally aware, socially competent, and equipped to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and compassion.

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