Imagine a child who is able to say, “I’m nervous right now,” when walking into a new social situation. Or picture a teenager who takes a few deep breaths and says to their friend, “I understand you’re angry but I’m not OK with you speaking to me like that.” Kids who can identify their feelings and the feelings of others exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is important, as it’s been linked to healthier relationships, fewer behavioral issues, and better mental health. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps we can take to help kids cultivate emotional intelligence at any age.

It’s essential to give kids tools and resources that are geared specifically for them. For example, my book, 13 Things Strong Kids Do, is filled with tools that help children understand their feelings and healthy ways to express those emotions.

It’s also important to give them hands-on guidance to practice their skills in real situations. A disagreement with a sibling, a difficult homework assignment, and a misunderstanding with a friend are all prime opportunities to help kids cultivate more emotional intelligence.

Children with higher emotional intelligence experience greater academic success, improved mental health, and more positive relationships.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that emotional intelligence skills in children are linked to lower levels of........

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