We explore why understanding and managing your feelings is just as important as knowing the answers.
When we think about academic success, it’s easy to picture good marks, neat homework and high test scores. However, what if we told you that one of the biggest predictors of how well a child does in school has little to do with how quickly they can recall their times tables?
Emotional intelligence or EQ – the ability to recognise, manage and express emotions effectively – plays a huge part in a child’s learning journey. In fact, research consistently shows that children with higher EQ tend to do better not only academically, but socially and behaviourally too. Here’s why emotional intelligence matters in the classroom – and how you can help nurture it at home.
Learning and emotion
Think back to your own school days. Chances are, the lessons that stuck with you weren’t just the ones taught with clarity, but the ones that made you feel something – whether that was curiosity, confidence or even a bit of challenge. Kids don’t learn in a vacuum. Their ability to focus, persist and thrive is directly linked to how safe, understood and emotionally supported they feel.
A child who can manage their frustration when a task gets tricky is more likely to keep trying. One who can communicate when they’re overwhelmed is more likely to get the help they need. Emotional intelligence helps children stay calm under pressure, navigate group work and bounce back from setbacks – all essential parts of school life.
Even more so, EQ allows children to feel secure in their learning environment, which builds their resilience and helps them take healthy academic risks – like putting up their hand or trying a new challenge.
Better relationships
Academic environments are filled with social interactions – with teachers, classmates, lunch monitors, even bus drivers. Children who understand emotions, both their own and others’, are more likely to form strong, respectful relationships. This sense of connection helps boost their classroom confidence and encourages participation, which in turn supports their learning.
Children with higher EQ also tend to resolve conflicts more effectively, work well in teams and show greater empathy – all qualities that contribute to a more positive, collaborative classroom.
Where to start
You don’t need to be an expert in psychology to raise an emotionally intelligent child. In fact, the most powerful lessons come from everyday moments. An easy starting place is to reflect together at the end of the day. It might be helpful to begin with open-ended questions like, “What was something that made you feel proud today?” or “Did anything frustrate you during lessons?” These chats can create space for growth and emotional awareness. By teaching kids that emotions are normal and manageable, we are giving them the tools to thrive in school – and beyond!
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