Emotional Intelligence and Fatherhood

With Father’s Day just past, I felt it would be good to discuss what it means to be a father and the role of emotions.

A strong emotional intelligence is now thought to be a better predictor of success at work and in life as well.  EQ can grow and develop throughout a lifetime. With that in mind, it is never too late to begin building your EQ and that of your child.

Good parenting involves emotions. It may sound obvious now, but this hasn't always been the case. In past, ithe view was, a father's role was seen primarily as the family breadwinner, while the nurturing and emotional care of the children was turned over to the mother. Those days are gone - or are they?

According to the American Psychological Association, a father's contributions to his child's social and emotional development is now known to be just as impactful as that of a mother's. Marc Brackett, Ph.D., noted psychologist from Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, has found that children who receive emotional support from their dads are less likely to struggle with behavioral problems or substance abuse, and do better in school and in their relationships with others.

So, with that in mind, what are some notable characteristics of a high-EQ dad?