4 Great Books to Educate Your Children on Emotional Intelligence

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Written by Valeria Sabater

Last update: 08 November, 2022

Educating children on emotional intelligence means giving them valuable and useful knowledge to last a lifetime.

As mothers and fathers, we have an endless array of psycho-pedagogical resources at our disposal. Learning from these can help us meet all our little ones’ needs.

That doesn’t mean we need to take on board everything we’re told, of course. We don’t need to apply every single approach or theory.

It just means reflecting on them and making use of those that fit our families’ needs.

With this in mind, it’s safe to say that the concept of Emotional Intelligence has brought about a revolution in the field of personal growth, education and psychology in general, since the publication of Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking book on the topic in the 1990s.

Parents should be aware of this theory and its implications, which offer a way to raise our children to be happier and more balanced individuals.

Today on You Are Mom, we’ll take a look at four interesting books on this topic, which you’re sure to find helpful.

1. Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children (Linda Lantieri and Daniel Goleman)

Daniel Goleman explains that, by educating our children emotionally in the present, we offer them a brighter future. This simple, clear and above all practical book gives parents the concepts and tools to be able to achieve this.

One of the most interesting things about this book is that it provides a practical guide and a spoken-word audio CD narrated by Goleman himself, which helps us educate our children about their emotions day by day.

What’s more, children themselves can make use of these materials and tips.

2. 200 Ways to Raise a Boy’s Emotional Intelligence (Will Glennon)

This is a truly sensational book. The author constantly emphasizes the value of love, support and confidence as educational touchstones.

The emotional resources and strategies that we provide to our sons should help them become respectful, sensitive people. Human beings capable of knowing and valuing themselves, caring for their own self-esteem and responding with empathy to those around them.

This book offers interesting tips for teachers, grandparents and family friends as well as parents. A valuable resource for day-to-day childrearing.

3. What to Do When You’re Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids (James J. Crist)

Is your son or daughter one of those children who seems to be afraid of everything?

Many little ones go through a phase when shadows seem to hide behind every corner.

New fears appear: water, the dark, what is under the bed or in the closet, fear of talking to new people, clowns, getting on the train…

• This is a normal process. However, the way in which we react is key in helping our children face these situations.
• James J. Crist, the author of the book, is a psychologist specializing in infant trauma. He has years of experience helping little ones understand, rationalize and get over their fears.
• Another plus is that children, too, can read this book. It will even help them find answers to issues as complex and as commonplace as the threat of terrorism.

The Great Big Book of Feelings (Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith)

If your child is four or older, there is no doubt about it: this book is for you. The book begins by asking children a simple question: “How are you feeling today?”

The Great Big Book of Feelings goes on to explore emotions like happiness, sadness, boredom, interest and others. Its simple phrases encourage even very young children to learn to identify and talk about their feelings.

This type of communication is, without a doubt, the best tool to promote self-knowledge, on the one hand, and emotional dialogue on the other. Both of these are essential to good family dynamics.

The book also features interesting stories that parents can read to their children every night.

All in all, this is an engaging option to get little ones off to a good start on the journey of emotional intelligence.