Try this to raise your child’s emotional intelligence

Research shows that using a range of emotion words when talking to your child about their feelings can help build their emotional intelligence.
Using specific and even complex words to describe how your child feels gives them a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their emotions. When you say a word like “enthusiastic” instead of “happy” or “disappointed” instead of “sad,” you can more closely pinpoint your toddler’s actual emotional state. You also give them an opportunity to learn the sound, context, and meaning of a new word.
For example, if they’re upset about not getting the toy they wanted, you might try saying, “You didn’t get the blue car, you got the yellow one instead. You’re disappointed.”
Emotionally rich words to identify and label emotions
- Mad, angry, frustrated, annoyed, furious, disappointed, lonely
- Overjoyed, elated, joyful, ecstatic, satisfied, hopeful, proud, curious
- Unhappy, glum, down, worried, nervous, scared, afraid, frightened, confused
- Excited, enthusiastic, thrilled, delighted, eager, surprised
Learn more about the research
Dunn, J., Bretherton, I., & Munn, P. (1987). Conversations about feeling states between mothers and their young children. Developmental psychology, 23(1), 132.
Lindquist, K. A., MacCormack, J. K., & Shablack, H. (2015). The role of language in emotion: predictions from psychological constructionism. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 444.
Keep reading

25 - 27 Months
28 - 30 Months
31 - 33 Months
34 - 36 Months
How to give your 2-year-old logical consequences
Your toddler is slowly learning that their actions have consequences. When you give and explain appropriate consequences, they’ll start to understand what they can and cannot do.

19 - 21 Months
22 - 24 Months
25 - 27 Months
5 pre-literacy skills to encourage in your toddler
Instilling a love and understanding of language, reading, and writing in toddlers has little to do with memorizing the ABCs. Learn the skills to reinforce instead.

19 - 21 Months
22 - 24 Months
25 - 27 Months
28 - 30 Months
5 things every parent should know about potty training
Discover lesser-known tips and facts about teaching your child to use the toilet from Lovevery's senior child development expert.