Navigating Emotions

Learning to identify, understand, and communicate emotions was a great way to begin.

There have been times in my parenting journey when I struggled to navigate my own emotions well. There were moments when it was easier to believe that certain emotions or feelings were acceptable, even expected, while others were better off dismissed.

Most of us are familiar with the term emotional intelligence (EQ). Emotional intelligence is identifying, understanding, and using your emotions to relieve stress and anxiety, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and overcome challenges. These skills require practice and intention.

In fact, as parents of elementary school-age children, you may be familiar with the emphasis on social-emotional learning. Essentially, children are learning the SEL skills that begin to develop their own emotional intelligence.

When parents continue to develop their own emotional intelligence, they are better equipped to support their children's social-emotional learning.

When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos

- L. R. Knost