You’ve probably heard of the intelligence quotient and different ways of measuring intelligence. But there is another form of intelligence, and we don’t mean the artificial kind. Mental well-being experts often talk about the important role of emotional intelligence. What exactly is it and why is it so important to life?

Emotional quotient, sometimes referred to as EQ, is the ability to recognize and identify emotions in yourself and others. And to manage these emotions effectively. It means that one can perceive one’s own emotions and, in addition, evaluate them. In addition, emotional intelligence also means that one can interpret how others are feeling.

The four areas of EQ

Emotional intelligence is divided into four areas. Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Within the domains , there are competencies that differentiate workers. These include emotional self-awareness, emotional self-management, adaptability, success orientation, positive attitude, empathy, organizational awareness, influence, conflict management, inspirational leadership, coaching, teamwork, and mentoring.

Emotional intelligence in children

Parents should listen to their children and feel their emotions and feelings. It is important to remember that emotions will not go away if children are told not to feel them or that there is no reason for feeling them. Parents should set boundaries for behaviour. However, they should never set boundaries for emotions. Children need expressions of empathy from parents. Both mother and father should be able to comfort and guide the child.

Emotional intelligence is influenced by innate temperament, but parents can shape it. Showing children how to get back from an unpleasant experience to a sense of security. When parents are unresponsive to children’s needs, they miss it. It doesn’t help children to be told to calm down. They need advice on how to do it. That’s the only way they’ll learn. It is crucial for their future life and forms the basis of self-regulation.

Emotions are not taboo

Emotionally intelligent people know that if they accept negative emotions, it will make it easier to overcome them. Conversely, perceiving a positive emotion can help prolong the feeling of enjoying it. “People with high EQ clearly know what emotions they are experiencing in the moment,” Veronica Hlivenko, a licensed psychologist at InPulse, tells Parade.com. She adds that such people aren ‘t afraid to talk about emotions. This, she says, makes the conversation more honest and productive.