Humans are known for their ability to think with a high capacity to analyse. Being creative and innovative is another factor which makes humans the most incredible creatures, as is the ability to focus and an awareness of things around us.

These abilities enable us to understand our own emotions and other people’s emotions, which lead us to make better decisions in life.

EQ relates directly to a person’s emotional intelligence, which could affect our entire life. As adults, it does not necessarily mean we need to constantly be aware of things happening around us. It does not mean that as an adult, we have a higher emotional intelligence compared to when we were children.

However, we definitely need to build our children’s emotional intelligence as early as possible.

As a mother, I believe that it is never too late for each of us, as individuals, to make changes in life. Though it is difficult and challenging, a decision to build strength over our weaknesses is very important.

Therefore, building the necessary skills to develop our children’s EQ will be more meaningful and beneficial if we could start from the early years of their development.

As children are unique, we need to learn and acquire new knowledge and skills to support them. During their early developmental years, life experience will help us build a higher level of EQ in our children.

Our children need to learn how to express their anger and frustration in the right way. Instead of throwing tantrums, they can talk and tell an adult about their feelings. As adults, it is crucial for parents to facilitate learning for our children. Every moment is a learning moment for them.

They need to experience situations where they learn to care for each other, share and be kind, follow rules, make decisions and get along with others. Many of these learning experiences will probably come from specific environments, such as school, which enable them to explore life by themselves with adult supervision.

It is up to us parents to choose the learning ambience for our children. It could be a formal learning environment in a school or regular classes. Still, they must always learn the most from us at home. I believe EQ develops the most from life's practical experiences.

Above all, EQ is very important for my children for many reasons:

1. Monitor and control their emotions.

Having a high EQ helps kids understand their own emotions as they grow aware of their actions and reactions. Whatever they do and say will definitely leave an impact on others in all environments at all levels.

2. Understand others’ emotions.

A high EQ will enable my children to handle situations tactfully. They will be able to treat everybody fairly. Furthermore, they will be more likely to be accepted in any society and culture.

3. Discriminate good and bad emotions to make good decisions.

There are some emotions which are bad in certain situations. However, the same emotions could be good for another scenario. The ability to discriminate between the two will ensure my children become good decision makers.

4. Good social skills.

Being accepted by others is something that requires not just skills but also intelligence. The ability to adapt to new environments with strangers will be easier for my children when they have the right level of EQ. It will further help my children focus on what they do and at the same time be aware of others and the situation around them.

5. Be empathetic.

An empathetic individual will always able to see himself in others’ situation. Therefore, they will always behave and react accordingly and treat others the way they want others to treat them. A high EQ will enable my children to serve and contribute to others and be more beneficial to society.

6. Keep motivated.

Life is challenging and it will always be. Motivation helps people move on, regardless of the situation and challenges. A high EQ will boost my children’s ability as they become steadfast to achieve their goals in life.

Noraminah Omar