of their actions and reactions because, “our kids are always watching.” For instance, when a parent remains calm during a stressful situation, it teaches the child that it is possible to manage emotions constructively. Conversely, if a parent reacts with anger or frustration, the child may learn to respond similarly when faced with challenges. “It’s about being a consistent example of good behavior and emotional management,” Tau’a notes. “Children mimic what they see, so as challenging as it might be for us as parents, it’s crucial that we exhibit the emotional intelligence we wish to instill in our children.” Extending Emotional Intelligence Education Beyond the Home While the home is a critical environment for developing EI, Tau’a believes that schools and the broader community The Role of Parents in Nurturing Emotional Intelligence According to Casey Tau’a, children learn about emotions primarily by observing how their parents behave and react to various situations. “Parents are the first role models for their children,” Tau’a explains. “The way we handle our emotions, respond to stress, and interact with others sets the stage for how our children will learn to manage their own emotions.” Parents heavily influence their children’s behavior, and this influence extends to emotional management. When parents model healthy emotional behaviors, such as expressing feelings appropriately, demonstrating empathy, and resolving conflicts peacefully, children are more likely to adopt these behaviors. Tau’a emphasizes that parents need to be mindful 58 HAWAII PARENT November/December 2024 Remaining calm during stressful situations shows your child that it is possible to constructively manage emotions. “Parents heavily influence their children’s behavior, and this influence extends to emotional management.”
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