1. Child Brain Development and Emotional Intelligence

2. Early Brain Development
Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Harvard University – “Early experience literally shapes the brain and affects life long learning and life long health”
Child’s first 3-5 years of life experiences are crucial
Development of sensory pathways, language, fine/gross motor, primary cognitive, social and emotional skills
Early Learning Video

3. Childhood Brain Development - IQ
Motor Skills
Visual/Spatial
Emotions
Logic
Language
Memory
Behavioral control
How the brain develops

4. EQ or Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
* Emotional Intelligence

5. What’s expected at this age?
Each child’s development is unique
Age 5-7:
interest in interactions with peers
awareness of others and how they are perceived by others
prefer routines
need adult help often with emotional intelligence

6. What’s expected at this age?
imitating actions of friends
seek more independence and less structure/routines
beginning to understand others’ feelings and actions – beginnings of empathy
Seek more independence to cope with emotions – but they still need you

7. What’s expected at this age?
Age (Puberty):
friendships become more complicated with misunderstandings and difficulties
wanting more approval from friends then parents
opinions might differ from parent
Desire strong independence, but still too young to make life decisions alone – still need you!
Hormones play a role in emotional regulation

8. Why should children express emotions?

9. Anger is a mask Amygdala is up front No logical thinking
There is another emotion behind the anger
Expressing anger is good
Ways to express anger to reach calmness

10. How to Support Child’s Emotional Intelligence
Dr. Laura Markham, Positive Parenting – ahaparenting.com
Goal = self-discipline
Set limits with empathy
“Parents create the weather in their homes”
Connect – acknowledge the feelings
Model emotional intelligence – remain calm, use mindfulness, stop-drop-breathe

11. Help Empty Emotional Backpack
Fear
Sadness
Stress
Embarrassment
Shame
Fatigue
Eat protein, then game time, time in