Emotional intelligence (EQ) begins to develop in early childhood and evolves through various stages as children grow. Here’s a look at how it typically develops:

1. Self-awareness (Infancy – Toddlerhood)
Infancy: Even in the first months, babies start to recognize basic emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger in their caregivers’ faces. They begin to exhibit basic emotional responses, like crying when distressed or smiling when content.
Toddlerhood: As toddlers gain more control over their emotions, they start to label and express their feelings more clearly. They might say “I’m sad” or “I’m happy” and start to recognize these emotions in themselves and others.
2. Self-Regulation (Toddlerhood – Preschool)
Toddlerhood: Toddlers begin to learn how to manage their emotions and reactions. For instance, they may learn to use words to express their feelings rather than throwing tantrums. Parental guidance and modeling of emotional responses are crucial during this phase.
Preschool: Children start to develop coping strategies for handling frustration and disappointment. They might use strategies like taking deep breaths or counting to calm themselves. Learning to delay gratification also begins during this stage.
3. Empathy (Preschool – Early Elementary)
Preschool: As children interact with peers, they start to understand that others have their own feelings and perspectives. They might show empathy by comforting a friend who is upset or sharing toys to make someone happy.
Early Elementary: Empathy becomes more sophisticated. Children can recognize and respond to more complex emotions in others, like understanding that a friend might feel anxious about a test even if they don’t show it outwardly.
4. Social Skills (Early Elementary – Late Childhood)
Early Elementary: Children learn to navigate social interactions, form friendships, and resolve conflicts. They practice communication skills and understand the importance of cooperation and taking turns.
Late Childhood: Social skills become more nuanced. Children develop better problem-solving abilities in social situations and can negotiate, persuade, and lead in group settings. They also start to grasp the impact of their actions on others more fully.
5. Self-Motivation (Late Childhood – Adolescence)
Late Childhood: Children begin to understand the link between their efforts and outcomes, developing intrinsic motivation. They set goals, manage their time, and persist through challenges, often influenced by their growing self-awareness and regulation skills.
Adolescence: Self-motivation becomes more refined as teens set long-term goals and navigate their personal aspirations and setbacks. They use emotional insights to drive their decisions and cope with stressors more effectively.
Influences on Development:
Parenting Style: Supportive, responsive, and emotionally attuned parenting helps children develop emotional intelligence. Modeling positive emotional behavior and providing guidance on managing emotions are key.
Social Interactions: Regular interactions with peers and adults help children practice and refine their emotional skills. Play, group activities, and family dynamics contribute significantly to EQ development.
Cultural Context: Cultural norms and values influence how emotions are expressed and managed, impacting the development of emotional intelligence.
Overall, emotional intelligence develops through a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. Supportive relationships and positive experiences are critical in nurturing a child’s EQ.