Which is a valuable practice for fostering emotional intelligence in young children?

Modeling emotional expression and regulation is a valuable practice for fostering emotional intelligence in young children because it provides them with a framework for understanding and managing their own feelings. When adults openly express their emotions and demonstrate appropriate ways to cope with feelings, children can observe these behaviors and learn to imitate them. This modeling helps children to recognize and label their emotions, understand the importance of emotional regulation, and develop empathy for others.

By seeing adults handle various emotional situations, children learn that it is normal to experience a wide range of feelings and that there are healthy ways to express and manage those feelings. This practice builds a foundation for emotional awareness, which is critical for developing strong interpersonal relationships, resilience, and effective communication skills as they grow.

In contrast, ignoring children's feelings would not support their emotional development, as it deprives them of guidance on how to process and express those feelings. Focusing solely on logical reasoning neglects the importance of emotions, which are a fundamental part of human behavior and decision-making. Encouraging competition among peers may foster certain skills, but it can also lead to negative emotional outcomes like anxiety or low self-esteem if not balanced with cooperative and supportive interactions.