How to raise emotionally intelligent kids? Parenting expert reveals ways you can help your child emotionally

Many parents are aware of how challenging it can be when a child suddenly throws a tantrum, especially in public. During those moments, parents usually try to get the child to immediately stop. Experts say this can be the loss of a great opportunity for parents to understand what the child is feeling.According to parenting expert Reem Raouda, parents often address what the child is doing rather than why they are behaving in such a manner. Reem told CNBC about the same. Children can be scolded for crying and instructed to “calm down” or “be happy” when they feel sad or overwhelmed. While it might make them stop doing whatever they're doing at that moment, it will make your children feel like their emotions are inconsequential. According to Raouda, a certified parenting coach and author of books, one of the most typical mistakes is paying attention only to bad behavior. Children cannot learn to understand and manage their feelings when parents ignore emotions. That can make emotional intelligence develop more slowly.She shares, “Stop focusing on their behavior and start focusing on their [well-being]. Children are not robots, and their emotions are being completely ignored, dismissed [or even] punished.”It is beneficial to have emotional intelligence to manage stress and negative emotions. Scientific research shows that emotional intelligence is useful in keeping stress, anxiety, and depression away. Emotionally intelligent kids are able to handle life better as they grow up.She then shares, “Your emotional well-being is your success Who cares about how much money you have, if you are anxiety-ridden, depressed, [and] don’t know who you are? Stop focusing on their behavior and start focusing on their [well-being]. Children are not robots, and their emotions are being completely ignored, dismissed [or even] punished.”This, however, does not mean that parents should let their child act out negatively. Raouda states, "Just because all feelings are valid doesn't mean all behaviors are equal in importance," especially if their child is being mean-spirited to others. Children should be reminded that all feelings are normal but not all behaviors are okay. By acknowledging the feelings first and saying things like “I see you’re upset,” they show the child they understand it. Then they can guide that child to express emotions with better behavior. This will help kids regulate emotions while still obeying commands.