Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children in the Digital Age
In today’s ever-evolving world, the concept of parenting has undergone a remarkable transformation. While earlier generations often focused on academic achievement, discipline, and structured routines, modern parenting now embraces a more holistic approach. One of the most essential components of this approach is nurturing emotional intelligence in our children, especially during their early years. At Fuji Infinity International Preschool, we believe that raising emotionally intelligent children is one of the most meaningful investments a parent can make, and our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support this journey.
Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is the ability to understand, manage, and express one’s emotions, while also recognizing and respecting the emotions of others. For preschool-aged children, this can be as simple as learning to say, “I feel sad,” rather than acting out through tears or tantrums, or understanding that a friend may feel hurt if a toy is snatched away during play. These early experiences help build a child’s self-awareness, empathy, patience, and capacity for healthy relationships which are skills that are just as vital to success in life as cognitive or academic abilities.
The digital age, while offering many conveniences and opportunities, also presents unique challenges when it comes to nurturing emotional intelligence. Children today are often introduced to screens at a very young age—sometimes even before they begin to speak. While technology can be educational and even interactive, it also tends to reduce real-life social interactions, which are critical for emotional growth. When children spend less time engaging in face-to-face communication, they miss out on interpreting body language, practicing active listening, and learning how to navigate real time emotional responses. As a result, it is more important than ever to be intentional about creating emotional learning opportunities both at home and in the classroom.
At Fuji Infinity International Preschool, we place emotional development at the heart of our daily routine. Our morning circle time promises to be not just a ritual, but a safe space where children will be encouraged to share how they are feeling, listen to their peers, and develop the language they need to express themselves. Storytelling sessions and role-playing activities will allow them to explore different emotions in a playful manner. For example, when a character in a story feels lonely, children are asked how they think that character feels and what they might do to help? These conversations cultivate empathy, and teach children to step into someone else’s shoes, even if just for a moment.
We will incorporate simple mindfulness techniques into our day. Breathing exercises, short moments of silence, and gentle stretches that help children recognize what calm feels like, and begin to understand that they have the tools to regulate their emotions. These techniques are not only useful in a school setting, but should also be utilized at home, especially during moments of high energy, frustration, or overstimulation.
As parents, your role in fostering emotional intelligence is irreplaceable. Children are constantly watching and absorbing how adults react to situations, and they learn the most by observing us. Expressing your own emotions in a calm and clear manner—saying things like, “I’m feeling tired right now, so I need a little quiet”—teaches them that emotions are natural and manageable. Labelling your child’s feelings and guiding them through emotional situations can help them develop self-awareness and confidence. Reducing passive screen time, encouraging meaningful conversations, and creating space for free play are all powerful ways to strengthen emotional learning at home.
Raising emotionally intelligent children is a continuous process. It does not happen in a day or through a single lesson but is nurtured through daily experiences, consistent guidance, and a supportive environment. At Fuji Infinity International Preschool, we are deeply committed to walking this path with you, helping your children grow not only as curious learners but as kind, compassionate individuals. Together, let us empower them to thrive in this digital age—not just with knowledge, but with heart.