What do you get when you provide a child with the freedom of emotional expression and emotional validation?  You get emotional intelligence!

Emotional intelligence is developed when an individual has a greater awareness of their own emotions and when these emotions have been validated over time.  

Emotions are a form of communciation about something within us, between ourselves and another, or in our environment.  If we are skilled at understanding these signals of communcation, we become more emotionally intelligent.

Emotional intelligence creates an awareness of our own feelings, those of others, and our ability to regulate strong feelings.  We become more able to use the information contained in emotional responses effectively in our relationships and our lives.  

When an individual struggles with emotional intelligence, it is common for that person to have a constricted range of emotions or to become highly reactive.  The world of emotions becomes something that can be intimidating or threatening.  

When there is a constricted range of emotions, relationships have less depth and connection and may feel distant.  However, if emotions are highly reactive, relationships can become complicated and volatile.

Emotional intelligence helps us to understand our relationships with others and especially with those in our families.  This is why emotional intelligence is critical for building and maintaining family resilience.