Dual EQ Framework: A Dual Approach for Adults and Kids
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Self-Awareness:Â Understanding Ourselves
Adults develop self-awareness by reflecting on their emotions, understanding how they affect their behaviors, and aligning their actions with their values. This helps them navigate workplace challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
So, what does this mean for Sarah?
Sarah, a working professional, notices stress at work causes her to be irritable with her team. By practicing self-awareness, she recognizes this trigger and decides to manage her stress better through breaks and mindfulness exercises.
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Kids develop self-awareness by recognizing their emotions, understanding their triggers, and learning how to express themselves in constructive ways. This helps them navigate social situations and make informed decisions.
So, what does this mean for Ben?
Ben, a 10-year-old, realizes that he often feels angry when he’s not chosen for a game. By understanding his emotions, he begins to express himself calmly, instead of lashing out, which improves his interactions with others.
Emotional awareness
Accurate self-assessment
Self-confidence
Self-Regulation: Managing our Responses
Self-regulation for adults means controlling impulses and managing emotional responses, especially in high-pressure situations. This is key to decision-making and leadership.
So, what does this mean for Sarah?
Sarah, feeling overwhelmed by her workload, uses deep breathing to stay calm and focused on her tasks.
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For kids, self-regulation involves managing frustrations, disappointments, and excitement, helping them maintain focus and emotional control during social interactions and school activities.
So, what does this mean for Ben?
Ben, upset after losing a game, takes a deep breath and stays calm instead of becoming upset, allowing him to continue enjoying the game.
Impulse control
Stress management
Adaptability
Optimism
Social Awareness: Understanding Others
Social awareness helps adults understand the emotions, needs, and perspectives of others, improving communication and empathy in both professional and personal settings.
What does this mean for Sarah?
Sarah notices a colleague is quiet and withdrawn. She takes time to check in and offer support.
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Kids develop social awareness by understanding how others feel and acting with empathy, which helps them build strong friendships and interact positively in group settings.
So, what does this mean for Ben?
Ben sees his friend is upset and, instead of ignoring it, he approaches them and asks how they’re feeling, showing care and empathy.
Empathy
Organizational awareness
Service orientation
Relationship Management: Building Meaningful Connection
Relationship management for adults involves using EQ skills to build strong professional and personal relationships, handle conflicts, and communicate effectively.
What does this mean for Sarah?
Sarah uses active listening to resolve a conflict between team members, fostering a positive team environment.
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For kids, relationship management means developing skills to resolve conflicts, collaborate with peers, and build supportive friendships.
What does this mean for Ben?
Ben, when arguing with a friend over rules, listens to his friend's perspective and suggests a fair compromise, preserving their friendship.
Conflict management
Building bonds
Teamwork and collaboration
Influence
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Take the First Step
As an educator for almost 20 years, I understand how difficult it is to balance all life’s challenges; parenting, teaching, supporting your own family and connecting with those of your students and their families.