Teaching Kids Emotional Intelligence Before the World Teaches Them Harshly 2026

Introduction

Why Emotional Intelligence Must Be Taught — Not Assumed

Children are not born knowing how to name emotions, regulate impulses, or navigate social stress.

Yet the world increasingly punishes emotional mistakes harshly — through peer rejection, academic consequences, online shaming, and internalized anxiety.

Psychologist Dr. John Gottman, known for decades of emotional research, explains:

“Children who understand their emotions and can talk about them are better able to regulate their behavior, solve problems, and build healthy relationships.”

This book is based on research from:

developmental psychology

emotional intelligence theory

attachment research

trauma-informed education

social–emotional learning (SEL)

The goal is not to raise emotionally perfect children.

It is to raise children who can:

recognize what they feel

understand why they feel it

express emotions safely

recover from emotional overwhelm