20 Ways Your Child Shows They're Emotionally Intelligent

Your child's social and personal growth depends on how emotionally intelligent they are. It helps them deal with problems and relationships. Here's 20 things on this list will show you that your child is growing strong emotional intelligence.

Tricia Quitales
December 10, 2024
6 min read

“20 Ways Your Child Shows They’re Emotionally Intelligent” lists important behaviors and traits that show your child is becoming more emotionally intelligent. These signs are important for lasting success because they help people understand and empathize with others’ feelings, keep their own emotions in check, and build strong relationships. This list gives parents useful information about how emotional intelligence appears in everyday life and how to improve it.

1. They are aware of and name their feelings

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Emotionally intelligent children can recognize and talk about their feelings, whether happiness, anger, or sadness. This helps them understand and deal with their emotions better. When they talk about how they feel, they make it possible for you to have good conversations.

2. They care about other people

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Emotionally intelligent kids can sense how other people are feeling and show sensitivity. When someone is having a hard time, they might notice if a friend is upset and offer comfort. This indicates that they understand how others feel even if they haven’t been through it themselves.

3. They are in charge of their feelings

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Emotionally intelligent kids know how to deal with strong emotions and calm down when upset. They may take deep breaths or ask for a break instead of having temper tantrums. They know that their feelings don’t have to decide what they do.

4. To show how they feel, they use “I” statements

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A kid who is emotionally aware is not likely to blame others when they are upset. Instead, they will likely say, “I feel sad because…” This method helps them talk to each other better without getting into arguments. It shows that they are in charge of their feelings and behaviors.

5. They can say sorry without being asked to

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Emotionally intelligent children know when they’ve hurt someone’s feelings and genuinely say they’re sorry. They know how important it is to fix connections. Being mature and genuine in their desire to say “I’m sorry” is a big plus.

6. They can read body language

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Emotionally intelligent children can tell how other people feel their faces and bodies. They can tell a lot from small things, like when a friend slumps their shoulders or a teacher furrows their face. In social settings, this helps them know how to act.

7. They learn how to listen actively

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Emotionally intelligent kids don’t talk over other people; instead, they listen carefully and answer with care. They pay attention to what people are saying and ask follow-up questions to show interest. This helps them connect with others more deeply and build stronger bonds.

8. They can change with the times

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Emotionally intelligent kids don’t freak out when their plans change, or things don’t go as planned. They are adaptable, take things as they come, and keep an upbeat attitude. Because they are flexible, they can handle the ups and downs of life with resilience.

9. They are patient even when things are getting annoying

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Mentally intelligent children wait to act until they have calmed down before they do. They can put off getting what they want and wait for the result. Their patience is very important as they deal with anger and sadness.

10. They can figure out problems on their own

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Emotionally clever kids try to figure things out independently instead of immediately asking for help. They think calmly and logically about problems and devise creative solutions. Being independent makes them stronger emotionally and gives them a sense of achievement.

11. They can calmly say what they need

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Emotionally intelligent children can communicate their wants clearly and respectfully instead of demanding things or throwing fits. They ask for what they want in a way that considers other people’s feelings, making it more likely that their requests will be met with understanding and help.

12. They want to hear what you think

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Emotionally, intelligent kids are willing to hear and learn from constructive advice. Instead of seeing comments as an attack on them, they see them as a chance to improve. This growth helps them improve at many things, from schoolwork to relationships.

13. They show that they value other people

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Emotionally intelligent kids always show thanks, whether by thanking a friend for sharing or complimenting a sibling. They know how important it is to thank kind and generous people. This shows respect for others, strengthens their friendships, and makes them feel valued.

14. They show kindness to themselves

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Emotionally clever kids are kind to themselves when they mess up instead of being too hard on themselves. They know that mistakes happen and that failing is a part of learning. Being kind to themselves helps them get better quickly and move on.

15. They are responsible for what they do

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Mentally intelligent children don’t try to hide their behavior when things go wrong. They know what they do affects others and try to fix things. They trust and respect each other more because they are responsible.

16. They can work out their differences with other people

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Emotionally intelligent kids try to settle disagreements without getting angry or dodging them. They understand the other person’s point of view and come up with answers that work for everyone. Their method encourages people to work together and strengthens friendships.

17. They know when other people need space

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Emotionally intelligent kids can tell when someone needs alone time to work through their feelings. They know their limits and give others room when it’s needed. This kind of sensitivity makes the setting more comfortable and kind for everyone.

18. They are happy when other people do well

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Emotionally clever kids are happy for others when they succeed instead of being angry or jealous. When their friends and family do well, they feel so glad for them. This positive outlook leads to good and helpful relationships.

19. They know how to deal with disappointment politely

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Emotion-savvy kids handle sadness without losing control when things don’t go as planned. They may show their anger, but they quickly calm down again. How they deal with setbacks with kindness teaches us to be strong and keep going.

20. They Ask for Help When They Need It

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Emotionally intelligent kids don’t mind asking for help when they need it. They know that asking for help is a sign of strength, whether it’s mental support or help with schoolwork. They will get the help they need to grow and thrive because they are willing to reach out.