5 Ways To Grow Socio-Emotional Intelligence In Children

Illustration of growing children's social-emotional intelligence (Pexels/Josh Applegate)

JAKARTA – Socio-emotional intelligence in children is not formed by itself. Because it relates to the ability to interact and place the right emotional response.

So how and from what age can the social-emotional ability be stimulated?

1. Can be started since Toddler

Age 0-3 years is the golden age. A period in which motor, sensory, cognitive, creative, and social emotional growth can be directed, stimulated, and grown.

Emotional social development includes maturity and opportunities for children to learn to respond to various social events that they experience. In daily practice, for example, how children interact with their peers, adults, their parents, and the wider community.

In addition to the ability to interact, the ability to adapt and adapt also needs to be stimulated from an early age.

2. Introduce about the types of emotions and their expressions

Most easily, taught with facial expressions. Like when you are happy you smile and when you are sad your facial expression is darker. More important is teaching how to express emotional states appropriately.

Because not infrequently when a child feels tired, he does not know how to express it and instead behaves destructively and even has a tantrum. So it is necessary to be accompanied and given examples of how to manage and express emotions appropriately.

3. Teach to share

Sharing is a good activity, especially to put the ego not too high. This good activity also needs to be stimulated. For example, lending toys to their peers or sharing food with those around them.

4. By reading and singing

Many songs and books represent social relationships. If the situation does not allow to play too long outside the home, then parents can stimulate children's social-emotional abilities by reading books.

5. Invite to feel new experiences

The ability to adapt can be done by introducing the baby to new things. For example, take a trip around the house to see new situations and atmosphere. Like playing in the water in the fields or stopping at a new place.

In addition to the above methods, parents can develop social-emotional skills with games, such as professional-themed toys and puzzles.