Ask the Expert: Nurturing Emotional Intelligence From Early Childhood

Helping children recognize, express, and manage their emotions is just as important as teaching them to walk and talk. Emotional intelligence shapes how kids handle challenges, build relationships, and develop self-confidence—starting from their earliest years and continuing through childhood. This week, we have Meeta Gupta Hari, Counsellor at Reconnect Singapore, joining us for an exclusive Ask the Expert session! Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, guiding a school-aged child through friendships, or wondering how to foster emotional awareness at home, this is your chance to ask an expert. 💬 Drop your questions from March 19-25 📅 Live answering session: March 26 at 12 PM Let’s equip our kids with the emotional tools they need for life. Ask your questions in the comments below! ⬇️ #AskTheExpert #RaisingEmotionallyStrongKids #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment

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When a child has a tantrum, is it better to calm them down first or immediately teach them how to manage their emotions?

Meeta Gupta Hari

Counsellor at Reconnect Singapore

8mo ago

Dear Anon, thank you for writing in. This is a good question. When a child (or even an adult!) is upset and has a meltdown, it is important for us to soothe and calm them first. A tantrum means that their big feelings were too much for their little bodies to handle. Young children do not have the vocabulary to express all their feelings, so they show them with their bodies - through crying, screaming, throwing stuff, pushing etc. It is essential that they still feel our love and presence in that moment, rather than our disapproval and rejection. Your calm presence is the greatest gift at that time which will help soothe the child. When children are in this heightened state, they cannot learn anything cognitive. Learning comes later when the child and the parent are both in a calm state. Hope this helps. All the best!

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