Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Early Childhood
In today’s fast-paced world, emotional intelligence is becoming just as important—if not more so—than academic performance. For young children, developing EQ is a foundation for everything from healthy friendships to resilience and lifelong learning.
At Cleo Nanny Co, we train our nannies to intentionally support the growth of emotional intelligence in everyday routines using strategies grounded in Dan Siegel’s brain-based parenting, the Reggio Emilia approach, and our own Cleo Ethos.
Here’s why emotional intelligence matters so much in early childhood—and how you can nurture it in your child.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to:
Recognise and label one’s emotions
Understand how those emotions influence behaviour
Regulate responses appropriately
Empathise with others
Form positive social connections
In other words: it’s about being smart with feelings. And like any skill, EQ can be taught.
2. The Early Years Are Critical
A child’s brain is most receptive to emotional learning between ages 0–7. During this time:
Neural pathways are forming rapidly
The limbic system (emotional brain) is in a sensitive development stage
Habits around self-awareness and regulation are being hardwired
At Cleo, we see these years as an opportunity to give children the emotional toolkit they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
3. Emotional Language Starts at Home
Many children have big feelings but no language to express them. That’s why our nannies are trained to name emotions in the moment, such as:
“You’re feeling frustrated because the block tower fell over.”
“It looks like you’re proud of your drawing—what colours did you choose?”
This builds emotional vocabulary and helps children learn that feelings are valid, safe, and temporary.
4. Regulation Over Reactions
Instead of time-outs or “stop crying” language, our nannies practice co-regulation:
Sitting calmly with a child in distress
Using deep breaths and gentle voice tones
Modeling how to return to a calm state
Children learn best through connection. When a trusted adult stays calm, the child’s nervous system feels safe and begins to mirror that calmness.
5. The Science Behind It: Dan Siegel’s “Name It to Tame It”
Neuroscientist Dan Siegel explains how naming emotions helps integrate the left (logical) and right (emotional) sides of the brain. By labeling a feeling, children can better:
Understand what’s happening inside them
Make sense of the experience
Move through it without feeling overwhelmed
Our Cleo Nannies are trained to do exactly that—supporting both child and parent through everyday emotional learning moments.
6. Long-Term Benefits of High EQ
Children with strong emotional intelligence are shown to:
Perform better academically
Build stronger friendships
Make safer decisions in adolescence
Experience less anxiety and depression
EQ doesn’t just help kids—it helps families thrive with less conflict and more connection.
Final Thoughts
At Cleo Nanny Co, we believe emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable gifts we can give a child. Through play, presence, and connection, our nannies nurture this vital skill every day.
Want a nanny who’s trained in emotional coaching?
👉 Book a discovery call to find your perfect match.