Children don’t just learn to read, write, and count in their early years. They also learn how to manage feelings, express empathy, and connect with others, skills collectively known as emotional intelligence (EI).
A lack of emotional intelligence in children can show up as frequent outbursts, trouble making friends, or difficulty coping with change. Research highlights that emotional intelligence in early years directly influences lifelong wellbeing, academic success, and even leadership potential (Goleman, 1995; Denham et al., 2003).
The good news? Unlike IQ, which is relatively fixed, emotional intelligence can be taught, modelled, and strengthened. With the right support from parents and educators, children can develop resilience, empathy, and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.
Book Online TourBook A VisitBefore tackling a lack of EI, we need a clear definition.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to:
Psychologist Daniel Goleman, who popularised the concept, described five components of emotional intelligence:
For children, this might look like:
When these abilities are underdeveloped, we see the signs of low emotional intelligence which technically are difficulty cooperating, impulsivity, or lack of empathy.
How can parents and teachers recognise when a child is struggling with EI? Common indicators include:
It’s important to remember: these are not permanent traits. They are developmental gaps that can be filled with intentional guidance.
A lack of EI can stem from multiple factors, including:
As UNICEF (2018) notes, social and emotional learning (SEL) is just as vital as academics in shaping a child’s future.
Children learn by imitation. When adults openly share feelings, “I feel frustrated, but I’ll take a deep breath”, children see healthy regulation in action.
A child who can only say “mad” or “sad” struggles to describe complex emotions. Parents and teachers can expand their vocabulary with picture books, emotion cards, and daily check-ins (“Are you feeling worried, excited, or calm today?”).
At Hatching Dragons, role play is a daily practice, helping children step into others’ shoes. For example, children might “run a café” or act out comforting a crying friend. These role play in EYFS moments foster understanding and social negotiation skills.
Structured stories about emotions, told in both languages, help children understand complex feelings while also nurturing their cultural awareness and expanding their emotional intelligence in early years.
Quiet retreats, whether in a nursery classroom or at home, allow children to pause, process, and manage overwhelming feelings in a supportive setting.
Praise not just academic achievements but also emotional wins: “I saw how patiently you waited. Well done!” This reinforces emotional intelligence skills as valued accomplishments.
Last week at Hatching Dragons, in the month of August, our educators designed a series of activities to nurture empathy, values, and emotional intelligence in children. While our approach changes from month to month, each week offers new opportunities for children to explore feelings, relationships, and resilience through play and learning.
This August snapshot shows how we weave emotional intelligence into daily learning, with new activities and cultural lessons each month.
Unlike traditional early years settings that focus heavily on academics, Hatching Dragons integrates values in childcare with emotional intelligence development. Bilingual learning, cultural storytelling, and social-emotional activities are woven into daily routines.
This holistic approach not only prepares children for school but also instils empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness, the qualities essential for lifelong learning.
Studies show that children with higher emotional intelligence:
The World Economic Forum (2020) even listed emotional intelligence as one of the top ten skills for the future workforce.
Clearly, building EI in early years is not optional; it’s simply foundational.
Q1: What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent?
Being emotionally intelligent means recognising and managing emotions in yourself and others. It helps children build healthy relationships and make wise decisions.
Q2: How can I improve my child’s emotional intelligence at home?
To improve emotional intelligence at home, model emotions, read stories about feelings, encourage empathy through play, and create safe spaces for expression.
Q3: What are the signs of low emotional intelligence?
Common signs of low emotional intelligence in children include frequent tantrums, difficulty making friends, inability to express feelings, and poor coping with change.
Q4: Can emotional intelligence be taught?
Yes. Unlike IQ, emotional intelligence develops through consistent modelling, practice, and social-emotional learning.
Q5: Are there tests for emotional intelligence?
Yes, there are child-friendly EI assessments, though observation in daily life is often the most accurate measure.
Helping children overcome a lack of emotional intelligence is one of the most powerful gifts parents and educators can give. By modelling empathy, teaching feelings vocabulary, and integrating values in childcare, we raise children who are not only academically capable but also emotionally wise.
Emotional intelligence in early years shapes growth, resilience, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. It’s the cornerstone of lifelong learning and it starts with the everyday choices we make in guiding our children.
At Hatching Dragons, we believe emotional intelligence development deserves as much attention as academic milestones. Our nurseries integrate values in childcare, daily role play, and bilingual learning to nurture children who are socially confident, emotionally aware, and culturally attuned.
Book a visit today and experience how our holistic approach helps children thrive; one heartfelt moment at a time.