rashidsmom: eee. ayy.

the best thing to teach kids nowadays is the importance and the value of EI. Emotional Intelligence. in our everyday activities i constantly remind my children to be perceptive to what other people around them are feeling. from there they can gauge and manage situations better. i teach them to observe with a keen eye. a frown, kunot ng noo, a smirk, a pout, a sheepish grin. small telltale signs of emotions that can mean so much. detect and decipher emotions in faces, pictures, and voices. of course, the proper thank you's, hello's and you're welcome's are prerequisite in a childs early education but EI is the key to being a well rounded individual.

i teach them to think with their head but make a final decision with their gut. indeed, gutfeel is the best decision maker. EI involves controlling one's emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances. as opposed to "let kids be kids".. i make sure rashid understands that his tantrums are acceptable (sometimes :) when at home but is definitely uncalled for when in the mall.

be kind to elders. open doors for elders/women/children. smile. help them cross the street. lend a shoulder/hanky/ear to the elderly/depressed/or anyone in need. a pat on the shoulder or a hug for the crying. a kind smile and a wave. simple things.

it's not all that difficult actually. talk to your kids. explain to them why you are sad and why money is running low and why you can't purchase mcdonalds for today. really talk to them and explain why. yes, they are kids but they deserve to be respected as members of the family and to know what really is going on in the home front.

the emotionally intelligent child can harness emotions, even negative ones, and manage them to achieve intended goals. making them well adjusted adults in the future. they are socially aware since they have the ability to sense, understand, and react to other's emotions.

EI isn't taught in school. it should come from a healthy (?) and balanced (mine isn't all that balanced though) family. not unless it is a multiple intelligence school, which in Davao only Brainworks School provides. make an effort to teach youngsters EI.. it will definitely help them cope with the difficult and stressful childhood and puberty that awaits them.

kids are godsent.