Unlock the Power of Emotional Intelligence

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In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week - “All feelings are welcome, all behaviors are not.” Dr. Aliza Pressman

• Javaree Talks - I highlight a key point from an interview with psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman

• In The News - US Surgeon General declares parental stress a health issue

JAVAREE TALKS

I recently listened to an interview with Dr. Aliza Pressman on the podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty.” 

Dr. Pressman is a highly respected developmental psychologist, parent educator, and co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center. Her expertise in helping parents understand child development and manage parenting challenges is widely recognized. Dr. Pressman’s practical advice on raising emotionally healthy children, often incorporating insights from psychology and research, instills confidence in parents. She also hosts the popular podcast “Raising Good Humans,” where she discusses various parenting topics and offers tools and strategies for fostering strong, compassionate relationships between parents and children.

In the interview, Dr. Pressman’s advice resonates with a powerful principle of transformational parenting: allowing children to experience and express their full emotions while guiding them in inappropriate behaviors.

She says, “All feelings are welcome; all behaviors are not.”

The idea that “all feelings are welcome, all behaviors are not” is a transformative approach that teaches children emotional intelligence and helps them understand that their emotions are valid, even when their actions need correction.

In contrast, the notion that we should aim to make our kids happy can lead to dismissing important emotions like frustration, sadness, or anger. These emotions are vital for a child’s growth and development. When we prioritize emotional acceptance over mere happiness, we play a crucial role in equipping our children with the resilience and self-awareness necessary to navigate life’s challenges.

For us, this approach means being present and responsive, helping children process their emotions without judgment, and setting boundaries that teach respect and responsibility. It’s about fostering a secure attachment and creating an environment where children feel understood and supported, ultimately helping them grow into emotionally healthy adults.

Here are 5 tips for dads to help their children develop emotional intelligence:

1. Model emotional awareness by demonstrating how to recognize and label emotions. When you feel something, express it clearly, e.g., “I’m feeling frustrated because...”

2. Encourage open communication by creating a safe space for your children to express their feelings without fear of judgment or punishment. Listen actively and validate their emotions.

3. Teach problem-solving skills by guiding your children in finding constructive ways to manage their emotions. For example, discuss calming techniques like deep breathing or taking a break when overwhelmed.

4. Practice empathy by helping your children understand the feelings of others by asking questions like, “How do you think that made them feel?” which fosters compassion and perspective-taking.

5. Set consistent boundaries clearly defining acceptable behaviors while explaining the reasons behind these rules. Consistency helps children understand the link between emotions and actions.

IN THE NEWS

DAD JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why do fish never go on summer vacation?

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Because they’re always in school!

GET COACHED

Ready To Dad offers coaching services explicitly tailored for dads with young children. We help you:

• Discover your core parenting values.

• Learn personalized strategies for growth as a parent.

• Build and maintain a deep connection with your child.

• Establish a self-care and personal growth routine.

We aim to help you feel more fulfilled and confident in your parenting journey. Reply to this email to book a free consultation today if you're ready to work with me!

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