By Dr. Vini Jhariya | Child & Clinical Psychologist | Founder, Urjasvini Child Development Center
Emotional intelligence (EI) is one of the most essential life skills a child can develop. It helps children navigate relationships, handle challenges, and express emotions in healthy ways. The good news? You don’t need complex tools to develop it—just a good storybook and some intentional time.
At Urjasvini Child Development Center, we often recommend storytime as a powerful method to foster EI in children, especially those navigating childhood disorders or emotional delays.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, and respond sensitively to others. Psychologist Daniel Goleman defines EI with five key components:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing personal emotions
- Self-regulation: Managing emotions calmly
- Motivation: Channeling emotions toward goals
- Empathy: Understanding others’ feelings
- Social skills: Building healthy relationships
As a counselor therapist in Indore, I’ve seen how story-based activities help children naturally engage with all five areas.
Why Storytime Matters for Emotional Growth
Children deeply connect with stories, making them a safe and relatable way to explore emotions. Here’s how storytime builds emotional intelligence:
- Boosts Empathy: Characters’ experiences help kids feel what others feel
- Expands Emotional Vocabulary: Words like “frustrated,” “shy,” or “excited” become familiar
- Teaches Problem-Solving: Kids learn from characters who face and overcome challenges
- Builds Social Understanding: Discussions around stories enhance communication and emotional reflection
Practical Ways to Build EI Through Storytime
1. Choose Emotionally Rich Stories
Select books that reflect a wide range of emotions and real-life social scenarios.
Recommended Titles:
- “The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr
- “Today I Feel Silly” by Jamie Lee Curtis
- “In My Heart” by Jo Witek
- “How Full Is Your Bucket? (For Kids)” by Tom Rath & Mary Reckmeyer
These books are also helpful tools in behaviour counselling sessions for children experiencing emotional delays or conduct issues.
2. Ask Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions
Encourage your child to reflect on what they read:
- “How did the character feel?”
- “Have you ever felt that way?”
- “What could they have done differently?”
This builds self-reflection and emotional awareness.
3. Reinforce with Role-Play
Make it fun! Use puppets, toys, or costumes to re-enact the story:
- Let your child play the main character
- Act out emotional challenges
- Invent new endings together
This encourages emotional regulation in a playful, pressure-free way.
4. Relate the Story to Real Life
Bridge fiction with your child’s actual experiences:
- “Remember when you felt like that at school?”
- “What did you do then?”
- “Next time, what could help you feel better?”
Making connections helps emotional lessons stick.
5. Use Visual Aids for Younger Kids
Support comprehension using:
- Emotion flashcards
- Feeling charts
- “Mood meters” or “feelings thermometers”
These are excellent tools, especially for kids dealing with childhood disorders like anxiety, ADHD, or autism.
Storytime & Feelings: A Parent’s Quick Guide
| Book Title | Focus Area | Age Group |
| The Feelings Book | Naming emotions | 2–6 years |
| Today I Feel Silly | Mood changes, self-awareness | 3–8 years |
| In My Heart | Exploring deep emotions | 3–8 years |
| How Full Is Your Bucket? | Empathy, kindness | 4–9 years |
Bonus Activities to Try at Home
- Feelings Jar: Add a marble every time your child names an emotion
- Draw the Feeling: Let them draw how a character feels
- Match the Emotion: Use cards to match feelings with story events
Used regularly by our counselor therapists to enhance child engagement in therapeutic storytelling.
Storytime is more than just reading. It’s a bridge to your child’s inner world. With the right questions, books, and connection, you’re helping them grow emotionally, one page at a time.
Whether your child needs support with emotional regulation, empathy, or behaviour counselling, storytime can be a joyful first step.
At Urjasvini Child Development Center, we offer:
- Story-based counselling.
- Emotional development programs.
- Parent coaching for storytime and EI.