Written by, Kalpita
10th Feb 2025
Hello Fellow Parents,
Ever wondered how emotionally intelligent you are as a parent?
Get ready to go completely wild with Emotional Intelligence (EI) and your Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Journey. Let's see if you're a Ninja of feelings or simply learning the ropes in the emotion roller coaster.
Here’s The Ultimate Parental Emotion-o-Meter Quiz For You:
Buckle up! It's time to see how you handle that wild ride that your kiddo’s feelings can be. For each question below, note the option that screams,"THAT’S SO ME!!!" and have fun reflecting over what you know, and what you do.
Gentle Reminder: Focus on the process, not the result!
Q1. Mini-you is having a meltdown. What's your go-to statement?
A) "Zip it and ship it, kiddo!"
B) "Spill the beans, what's eating you?"
C) "Look, a shiny distraction!"
D) "Not my circus, not my monkeys."
Q2. Talking about feelings with mini-you is.
A) As rare as a unicorn sighting
B) A sometimes food, like cookies
C) A regular on the menu
D) The main course, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Q3. When your child's anger-meter hits red, you.
A) Feel your own blood pressure rising
B) Channel your inner therapist
C) Let the storm pass without interference
D) Treat it like yesterday's news
Q4. Teaching emotional self-control is.
A) Not on your radar
B) A work in progress - for both of you
C) All about Jedi mind tricks like deep breaths
D) You get there by being a feelings-free zone
Q5. On house rules, you.
A) Join the dictators club
B) Pitch it to the little investors
C) Have a family brainstorming session
D) Follow ‘Free-for-all-no-laws at all’
Q6. It is time to share your own feelings with mini-you.
A) Your Pandora's box – Strictly confidential!
B) A toe you stick into the water – Testing with caution!
C) As natural as breathing; mostly – Sharing with conditions apply!
D) An open book policy – Feel it, share it!
Q7. Helping mini-you express their emotions is.
A) Not your thing - toughen up, Buttercup!
B) A green light with no road map to guide
C) All about giving them the emotional vocabulary toolkit
D) Your favourite pastime
Q8. When you and mini-you clash, it's
A) Your way or the highway
B) A mix of listening and executive decisions
C) Time for a family problem-solving powwow
D) Usually resolved by waving the white flag
Time For the Big Reveal: What's Your Emotion-o-Meter Reading?
Mostly A's? Whoa, Emotion Dodger! Step out of the no-feelings zone and into the rainbow of emotions. Mini-you will appreciate it! It may be helpful to reflect on how dismissive responses can affect your child’s emotional growth. Consider exploring ways to become more emotionally supportive.
Mostly B's? You test the waters with your toes in that ocean of emotions. Why not dive in deeper? There's an entire world of feelings you can dive into with your little ones. You have some understanding of emotional intelligence but can still grow. Think about incorporating more discussions about feelings into your parenting routine.
Mostly Cs? Look at you, Emotion Surfer! You know exactly how to ride those feeling waves and make it all look so easy. Keep that empathy board flying! You show a solid level of emotional intelligence in your parenting style. Keep nurturing this skill and continue to find new, creative ways of engaging with your child’s emotions.
Mostly Ds? Holy guacamole, you're an Emotion Guru! I can only imagine your house - just a 24/7 Feelings Fest in there! You truly are an EI Rock Star! You are highly attuned to emotional intelligence in parenting! Your approach fosters a strong emotional connection with your child, promoting their social emotional well-being.
Note to self: Remember, there are no perfect answers here - we are all learning and growing as parents. It’s your reflections that count! Pat yourself on the back, gather up your little ones, and keep riding those roller coasters of emotions together, one emotion at a time!
