The Sandy Hook tragedy: Building the Emotional Quotient
January 13, 2012
the staff of the Rdigewood blog
Lynn Benson, MSW of Ridgewood submitted a very interesting letter to the editor of the Ridgewood News , in the letter Benson ,we think is a Medical Social Worker proposes we focus on EQ ( Emotional Quotient ) , EQ is “Intelligence regarding the emotions, especially in the ability to monitor one’s own or others’ emotions and to interact effectively with others. ” (https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060613133137AATvs8O)
Most cooler heads agree we need to revisit some gun laws( yes I said it) mental health programs and exposure to the glorification of violence in media .
Benson argues , “It’s now also time EQ is given equal attention to IQ.” ,”Ridgewood schools excel academically. Those who need academic support are given the opportunity. It’s time we do the same for EQ. Too many children don’t feel they fit in, need skills to process their emotions effectively and need stronger social skills to integrate more successfully. And, children with high EQs, who are more inclusive toward others who don’t feel like they fit in, deserve to be acknowledged.
Too many students with strong IQs are struggling or dropping out of college because of challenged EQs. Many feel hopeless and lack coping skills to take on life’s challenges. Greater funds are needed to promote EQ research and programs, and schools need funding to support further staffing and professional development to strengthen EQ starting in preschool and well into college.
Our brains are “wired” in certain ways at birth. Our approach as a parent makes a huge difference, but the role of nature over nurture is tremendous. Research shows early intervention is critical when a child’s “wiring” is “off” due to their growing brain. The earlier “wires are turned on” and make connections, the more successful our children will be. Children learn how to ride a bike, read and write. Once these brain connections are made, they get it! It’s the same for EQ. Many need strengthening with initiating and sustaining conversation, how to understand and express feelings, and strengthen their social graces. There could be visits to a therapist, but I’m talking about a movement in our society to strengthen EQ in the natural setting, just like we do in the school systems with academia.
Our society is consumed with IQ. Yet, it’s clear that individuals who are “brilliant” can turn tragic without EQ. We can do better. It’s time to create a curriculum and a societal mindset to support EQ ” ( https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/186419681_Letter__Regarding_recent_tragedies.html )
We are wondering if we might be doing a serviced to out child with the “everybody wins and nobody loses ” mentality that our schools seemly foster .
In a recent survey,”Young people’s unprecedented level of self-infatuation was revealed in a new analysis of the American Freshman Survey, which has been asking students to rate themselves compared to their peers since 1966 ” ( https://theridgewoodblog.net/how-college-students-think-they-are-more-special-than-ever-study-reveals-rocketing-sense-of-entitlement-on-u-s-campuses/ )
Is not “self infatuation” a sign of a very immature emotional state created by a low EQ ? just an observation from the business world , young recruits seem very “entitled ” and very immature , to appoint they are unemployable. With children no longer holding part time jobs to get real world work experience ad schools encouraging this ‘nobody loses” mentality , children often expect and get everything handed to them. No wonder there is so much social angst,anxiety and anger. Hopefully Ms Benson will chime in .