Photo source: Enfagrow

Going to school is probably one of the most exciting yet anxious days, not only for kids, but also for parents. After years of watching your kids grow, from their first cry and first steps to their first words, you now find yourself preparing their school uniforms and lunchboxes, and helping them with their homework.

Traditionally, a child's success in school was often linked to their Intelligence Quotient (IQ). IQ tests measure a wide range of cognitive skills, such as reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. These are skills that have been valued in academic settings.

In many educational systems, success was often defined by high test scores, grades, and academic achievements. Students who excelled in these areas were generally seen as intelligent and, therefore, successful. However, this traditional view of success is evolving.

Today, it is not just about excelling academically. Many parents now place equal importance on their child's ability to carry themselves well in social settings and build strong relationships.

While technical skills are increasingly important, there is also a growing need for emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence also known as emotional quotient or EQ, refers to a person's ability to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, as well as manage their own emotions and understand how they may be perceived by others. Simply put, emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions.

To help you, moms and dads, in making sure your kids are school-ready, here are some reasons why children are encouraged to develop their EQ:

1.Self-awareness - Your child's ability to understand and manage emotions develops over time. When they are young, they need your help to recognize and name their feelings. This helps set the stage for them to handle their emotions better as they grow.

For example, if your child is upset after a disagreement with a classmate, helping them name their feelings—like saying, "It sounds like you are feeling angry because your friend took your toy"—may help them understand and manage those emotions effectively.

Label the emotions your child sees in you and other people. For instance, if a teacher seems stressed, you could explain, "Your teacher seems a bit worried today. Sometimes, people feel that way when they have a lot to do."

2.Self-management – After becoming aware of their emotions, the next step is learning how to respond to or control them. As parents, we may teach them simple techniques.

For example, if your child feels anxious about going to school, you may teach them to use relaxation techniques like belly breathing: place your hand on your stomach, then take five deep breaths. Spend five seconds breathing in and five seconds breathing out, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.

When we are stressed, our breathing often becomes shallow and rapid. Teaching your child to practice deep belly breathing may help calm their nerves and reduce stress.

3.Classroom engagement – Children with high emotional intelligence are better able to pay attention and are engaged in school.

If your child struggles with a difficult assignment, guide them through strategies for managing frustration, such as taking a short break or asking for help. If your child is shy about sharing their thoughts or reciting in class, encourage them to practice speaking up in a supportive way and remind them that everyone's ideas are valuable.

4.Good relationships - Emotional intelligence may help build strong relationships with teachers and classmates. Whether it is asking for help with a project or joining a study group, these connections may also positively impact academic performance.

These are just a few scenarios showing how EQ may help kids in social and emotional situations at school.

Photo source: Enfagrow A+ Four Nurapro Philippines

To further help support your child's brain development, Enfagrow A+ Four offers the highest level of DHA and is the only one with MFGM (among staged milks) that is clinically shown to help give not just higher IQ, but also EQ (vs. formula without MFGM), along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest.Choosing the right support and providing the care, love, and nurture they need is important for our children's growth and readiness to thrive in school.

For more information on how Enfagrow A+ Four may help, visit this website.

ASC Ref. Code: M0188P102124E