Families
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
There is evidence that children who are aware of their emotions and know how to express them in a socially acceptable manner are more likely to be school-ready, perform better in school, have better social relationships, are more empathetic and supportive of others, feel more confident, competent and capable, are happier and are less likely to display behavioral problems.
Although kids begin to be fully aware of their emotions and understand how to manage them at about age 10, researchers suggest that they can learn about emotions from as early as age 3.
Kids cannot appropriately express emotions if they are not taught about those emotions first. When we help express our kids’ emotions by saying “I can see you’re sad” or “I know you’re angry because you would have liked to eat ice cream right now” we not only teach them to identify different emotions, we also help them put their feelings into words.
Why to Talk to Kids About Emotions
It is never too early to talk to kids about emotions. Many emotions such as anger, jealousy or anxiety are difficult for kids to deal with. Tantrums and aggressive behavior are often linked to unmanaged emotions in children hiding feelings such as guilt, hurt or embarrassment. When kids learn to manage their emotions in childhood, it leads to positive attitudes and behaviors later in life.
Wave-bands Support Parents and Kids
Emotional intelligence reflects the ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions. Wave-bands play a critical role in developing emotional intelligence to enhance thought and understanding of interpersonal dynamics and effectively communicate emotions in a socially acceptable manner.
Talk often & briefly
Wave-bands helps you address feelings frequently. Ask a child about the choice of their band or how you can help them reach their desired Wave-band color. Knowing a child’s emotions makes short, meaningful conversations a routine. Such conversations become natural and make children more open to sharing their feelings.
Picking the right moment matters
The best time to talk to them about emotions is when you are both calm, relaxed and attentive.
Wave-bands reveal your own and your child’s emotional state allowing you to choose a moment in which trust and empathy are the foundation.
Identify feelings in others
Provide frequent opportunities to identify feelings in others. Wave-bands make these conversations fun! Ask your child which color Wave-band a person could have chosen that day. Cartoons or picture books are also a great way to discuss feelings and help kids learn to recognize feelings in people around them.
Encourage with praise
Praise them for wearing their Wave-band or even use them to address their feelings.
Your encouragement teaches them that feelings are normal, that it is ok and possible to show them in an appropriate way and talk to others about them. Praise also conveys the message that you are there for them.
Be a role model
Children learn about feelings and how to express them appropriately by observing others.
Wear your Wave-band proudly! Explain to your child why you selected your color that day. You could share your plan for changing the color throughout the day or even offer how he or she could help you.
Name the feeling
Naming feelings and giving them a label is the first step in helping kids learn to identify feelings. It allows your child to develop a vocabulary they can use to talk about their feelings.
Wave-bands help children relate their emotions to a color and easily recognize them in others as well as in themselves.
