RAISING EQ

Parenting is hard — but burnout doesn’t have to be the norm.In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can help parents reduce stress, manage emotional overwhelm, and respond more calmly — even on the hardest days.Backed by psychology and neuroscience, you’ll learn practical, real-life EQ tools to:✨Recognize and regulate your own emotions✨Reduce stress and emotional overload✨Respond instead of react when your child pushes your buttons✨Model calm and emotional regulation for your kidsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in cycles of yelling and guilt, this episode will help you pause, reset, and parent with more confidence and connection.🎙️ Because raising emotionally intelligent kids starts with emotionally supported parents.

Why is saying “I was wrong” so difficult — even when we know it matters?In this episode of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, we unpack the science behind why apologies are emotionally challenging for adults and children alike. Drawing on research in psychology and child development, we explore how cognitive dissonance, ego protection, and shame can block accountability — and how parents can break that cycle at home.You’ll learn:✨Why apologizing feels threatening to the brain (and why that’s normal)✨How owning your mistakes actually builds trust and authority with your child✨What research says makes an apology meaningful and effective✨Why forcing kids to say “sorry” often backfires✨Practical scripts and strategies to help children apologize with empathy, responsibility, and repair✨How to model accountability in age-appropriate, emotionally intelligent waysThis episode is for parents who want to raise emotionally intelligent kids — not by being perfect, but by showing how to repair, reconnect, and grow after mistakes.Because strong families aren’t built on getting it right every time — they’re built on knowing how to make it right when things go wrong.Research Links:Why an apology is psychologically hard (cognitive dissonance & ego defense):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonanceChild apologies are often prompted — research observation:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5386507/Apology + restitution reduce negative emotion and build empathy:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082420/Framework on elements of an effective apology:https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/effective-apologies-include-six-elements.html✨A Grounding Practice to Support You✨When the world feels heavyPause.Put one hand on your chest or belly.Breathe in slowly through your nose.Longer out than in.Remind yourself:This is hard.And I am here.Feel your body being supportedby the floor, the chair, the ground.Say silently:My child does not need me to be perfect.They need me to be present.Soften your jaw.Drop your shoulders.Remember:I can hold my feelings.My child does not need to hold them for me.Bring your child to mind.Offer steadiness, not answers.Finish with this truth:I am the adult.I am the safe place.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

When the world feels frightening—or something hard happens inside your family—parents often feel pressure to say the right thing. But emotional intelligence isn’t built through perfect explanations. It’s built through presence, boundaries, and regulation.In this episode, we share research-backed, simple tools that parents can use to help children feel safe during scary or uncertain times—without overwhelming them or asking them to manage adult emotions. You’ll learn how to regulate yourself first, model healthy emotional processing, prevent emotional role reversal, and create the kind of steady presence that helps kids build lifelong resilience.This episode is for parents who want to raise emotionally strong children while staying grounded themselves—especially when life feels heavy.✨A Grounding Practice to Support You✨When the world feels heavyPause. Put one hand on your chest or belly.Breathe in slowly through your nose. Longer out than in.Remind yourself:This is hard. And I am here.Feel your body being supported by the floor, the chair, the ground.Say silently:My child does not need me to be perfect. They need me to be present.Soften your jaw. Drop your shoulders.Remember:I can hold my feelings. My child does not need to hold them for me.Bring your child to mind. Offer steadiness, not answers.Finish with this truth:I am the adult. I am the safe place.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

As artificial intelligence reshapes education, work, and everyday life, many parents are asking the same question: What skills will my child truly need to thrive in the future?In this episode, we explore what AI can’t teach your kids—emotional intelligence. While machines can process information, they can’t replace empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, or meaningful human connection. These are the skills that help children adapt to change, build healthy relationships, make ethical decisions, and navigate an increasingly complex world.You’ll learn:✨Why emotional intelligence is becoming more valuable than IQ in the age of AI✨What research shows about EQ, success, mental health, and future-ready skills✨How parenting styles shape a child’s emotional development✨Practical, everyday ways parents can raise emotionally intelligent kids✨How to balance technology use while strengthening emotional awareness and resilienceThis episode is a reminder that as technology grows smarter, our role as parents becomes even more important. By nurturing emotional intelligence at home, we’re not just preparing our kids to succeed—we’re helping them stay human in a machine-driven world.This episode is perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone raising children in the digital age.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQResearch referenced in this episode reflects current findings in psychology, education, and workforce development. Sources are listed below for further exploration.References & ResearchGoleman, Daniel. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. https://www.danielgoleman.info/topics/emotional-intelligence/Frontiers in Psychology (2025). Emotional Intelligence and Life Outcomes: Global Evidence. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychologyWorld Economic Forum (2023). The Future of Jobs Report. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/Harvard University – Center on the Developing Child Executive Function & Self-Regulation Skills. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/CASEL – Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning What Is SEL? https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/American Psychological Association (APA) Emotional Intelligence and Leadership. https://www.apa.org/monitor/nov01/emotionalOECD (2021). Social and Emotional Skills for Life. https://www.oecd.org/education/global-competence/social-emotional-skills/National Scientific Council on the Developing Child Children’s Emotional Development. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/children%E2%80%99s-emotional-development-is-built-into-the-architecture-of-their-brains/McKinsey & Company (2023). Defining the Skills Citizens Will Need in the Future of Work. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/defining-the-skills-citizens-will-need-in-the-future-world-of-workPew Research Center (2022). Parenting Children in the Digital Age. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/

Setting and achieving goals sounds simple—but for kids (and parents), big emotions often get in the way of success.In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore why traditional goal-setting strategies don’t work unless emotional intelligence is part of the picture. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, you’ll learn how emotions like frustration, fear, boredom, and shame can derail even the best intentions—and what parents can do instead.We break down how emotional regulation supports motivation, persistence, and follow-through, and share simple, science-backed tools you can start using right away with your kids. From emotion-based goal setting to helping kids name and manage feelings when things get hard, this episode offers practical strategies that build both confidence and resilience.You’ll also learn why modeling your own emotional intelligence matters more than any reward system—and how focusing on process over outcomes helps kids stick with goals without pressure or power struggles.If you want to raise kids who don’t give up when it feels hard, this episode will help you build the emotional foundation that makes goal-setting and goal-achieving stick.If you want to read more about the areas spoke about check out the following links.  🧠 Research & Further Reading James Gross – Emotion Regulation Research (Stanford): https://spl.stanford.edu/people/james-grossDan Siegel – Name It to Tame It & Interpersonal Neurobiology: https://drdansiegel.comAngela Duckworth – Grit & Perseverance: https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/Carol Dweck – Growth Mindset Research: https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/American Psychological Association – Emotional Regulation & Child Development:https://www.apa.org/topics/emotion-regulationYou can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

As parents, the end of the year often feels like a sprint — school events, holidays, deadlines, and emotional exhaustion all competing for our attention. In this episode of Raising EQ, we shift gears and focus on something that often gets overlooked: reflection and self-awareness.Research shows that self-awareness is a foundational component of emotional intelligence and plays a critical role in emotional regulation, stress management, and healthy relationships — including our relationships with our children. In this episode, we break down what self-awareness really means for parents, why reflection is backed by science, and how even small moments of intentional reflection can create meaningful change.You’ll learn:✨Why self-awareness is essential for emotionally intelligent parenting✨How reflection improves emotional regulation and reduces stress✨Simple, realistic reflection practices for busy parents✨How modeling reflection helps children build their own emotional intelligenceWhether you have five minutes at the end of the day or a quiet moment with your morning coffee, this episode offers practical tools to help you pause, reflect, and grow — without adding more to your to-do list.As the year closes, this episode invites you to reflect, not to judge yourself, but to better understand yourself — and to carry that awareness into the year ahead.🔗 “The Value of Emotional Intelligence: Self-Awareness…” — Review on self-awareness and EI components (Technium Education & Humanities, 2024) ResearchGate 🔗 Measuring the Effects of Self-Awareness — Research demonstrating outcomes of self-awareness (NIH/PMC) PMC 🔗 Why Self-Awareness Matters in Parenting — Practical insights on parent-child relationship benefits childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk 🔗 Benefits of Self-Awareness for Well-Being — Summary of research linking self-awareness to emotional balance blogs.reading.ac.uk 🔗 Reflective Practice Enhances Emotional Skills — Study linking reflection to improved EI skills ResearchGateYou can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

The holidays are intense—for parents and kids alike. Disrupted routines, heightened emotions, family dynamics, and sensory overload can leave everyone feeling dysregulated.In this episode of Raising EQ Parents, we explore why the holidays trigger the nervous system and share research-backed, practical tools you can use in real time to support regulation—for yourself and your child. You’ll learn how to calm your body in moments of stress, co-regulate with a dysregulated child, and repair after things don’t go as planned.This episode is a reminder that emotional intelligence isn’t about staying calm all the time—it’s about knowing how to return to connection.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:🌱Why holiday stress triggers the nervous system🌱How to regulate yourself in the moment using neuroscience-backed tools🌱What children actually need when they’re overwhelmed🌱How co-regulation builds emotional intelligence🌱Why repair matters more than perfectionPerfect for parents who want calmer holidays, stronger connections, and emotionally resilient kids—without unrealistic expectations.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

In today’s episode of Raising EQ, we dive into one of the most powerful yet overlooked skills in parenting: owning our part. Even when we truly try our best, it doesn’t always land the way our children experience it—and that gap between intention and impact can shape how safe, seen, and understood they feel in our presence.We explore what research shows about the impact of parental repair, including how acknowledging our missteps and validating our children’s perspectives can support healthier emotional development, strengthen attachment, and increase trust. You’ll hear why humility is a parenting superpower, how to set your own feelings aside in moments that matter, and how simple, honest ownership can turn conflict into connection.If you’re ready to raise emotionally intelligent kids—and grow right alongside them—this episode gives you the tools, language, and mindset to start today.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Raising EQ is a science-backed, heart-centered podcast designed to help parents and kids build emotional intelligence, resilience, and deeper connection — one practical tool at a time. Each episode blends research, psychology, child development, and real-life stories to bring you strategies you can use immediately at home, in the car, or during those big feeling moments.Hosted by Dr. Holly Symons, Raising EQ helps families navigate stress, communication, grounding, and self-regulation through accessible, compassionate guidance. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone curious about emotional growth, this show brings you actionable insights to strengthen your inner calm and your family’s emotional well-being.Tune in weekly for conversations, guided practices, and evidence-based tools to help you feel more grounded, present, and connected — especially in the seasons when emotions run high.If you are looking for emotionally intelligent toys this season for all ages, including teens, download your FREE TOY Resource here.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Play isn’t just fun — it’s emotional learning. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how everyday toys and board games help kids build emotional intelligence, develop social skills, and strengthen self-regulation. Discover research-backed insights on the power of play, plus practical ways to use LEGO, dolls, cooperative board games, and pretend play to support listening, leadership, empathy, and emotional vocabulary at home. Simple, joyful strategies you can start using today for kids 5-18. ✨Share with a friend and don't forget to subscribe and never miss an episode!Download your FREE TOY Resource here.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Boundaries aren’t punishments — they’re love in action. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how healthy boundaries in parenting actually strengthen your connection with your child and support the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-regulation.We break down the difference between punishments and boundaries, why boundaries feel so hard for many modern parents, and how to set limits with empathy instead of shame. You’ll hear research-backed insights — from Dr. Daniel Siegel and recent studies on child development — that show why consistent, compassionate boundaries are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s long-term success and wellbeing.If you’ve ever struggled with setting limits, feared being “too hard,” or felt guilty enforcing rules, this episode will help you reframe boundaries as an act of deep love and emotional leadership.✨Parenting is hard, but you don't have to do it alone! Join the Raising EQ Community and subscribe so you never miss an episode.✨ You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

This week on Raising EQ, we’re talking about one of the most powerful truths in parenting: our childhoods come with us.The way we were comforted (or not), the messages we received about emotions, and the love—or lack of it—we experienced all shape how we show up for our own kids.In this episode, Dr. Holly Symons dives into the idea of “ghosts in the nursery,” a concept introduced by child psychoanalyst Selma Fraiberg, who showed how unhealed parts of our past can quietly influence our parenting.But here’s the hope: awareness changes everything. When we understand why we react, we create space to respond differently—to parent the child in front of us instead of the one inside us still needing healing. 💫We’ll explore:🌱How your past shapes emotional triggers🌱Why self-awareness is key to breaking intergenerational cycles🌱Simple ways to reflect, repair, and reconnect🌱And how healing yourself directly raises your child’s emotional intelligenceBecause when you parent with awareness, you’re not just raising EQ in your children—you’re raising it in yourself. 💛You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Working motherhood isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing emotions. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly sits down with Femke, founder of Merry Go Round, a baby gear rental business built by a mom who knows the juggling act all too well.Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of being a working mother — from burnout and guilt to balance and purpose. They talk about what emotional intelligence looks like in the middle of chaos, how entrepreneurship can be both freeing and exhausting, and why grace might be more important than balance.Along the way, they weave in real-world stats that paint a striking picture:* 68% of working mothers report feeling stressed frequently.*42% experience burnout “often or always.”And only 38% of workplaces offer adequate parental mental health support.But amidst the challenges, they find hope — in connection, creativity, and self-awareness. This episode is a love letter to every mother doing her best to build a meaningful life while keeping her emotional health in focus.Key themes: 💫  Emotional health and EQ for working moms 💫  Motherhood and entrepreneurship💫  Coping with guilt, burnout, and perfectionism💫  The power of community and self-compassionThe truth is, balance isn’t a destination — it’s an emotional practice. And every working mom is already doing better than she thinks. Look at the Tada moments rather than the to-do list!If you want more information about Femke and Merry Go Round you can find her on Instagram: @merrygoroundclub or her website 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and keep raising emotional intelligence — one small moment at a time.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Every parent wants their child to be strong, confident, and able to handle life’s ups and downs — but resilience isn’t about “toughing it out.” It’s about learning to feel, adapt, and move through. In this episode of Raising EQ, host Dr. Holly Symons breaks down what emotional intelligence looks like in kids and how it becomes the foundation for resilience. You’ll learn four simple tools to help your child identify emotions, manage stress, and grow through challenges — all backed by recent research from Harvard, Yale, and the American Psychological Association.Whether you’re navigating toddler emotional outbursts or teen tension, this episode will help you turn emotional chaos into calm connection — and raise kids who don’t just survive life’s challenges, but thrive through them.✨ Listen now to start raising your child’s EQ — and their resilience.

Halloween can be full of excitement… and anxiety. Many children feel uneasy or frightened by costumes, masks, and the unexpected surprises that come with spooky season. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly breaks down what’s really happening beneath that fear — from developmental stages and sensory sensitivities to uncertainty and loss of control. And yes, this fear can happen for older children too (not just the little ones). Drawing on child psychology research and practical emotional intelligence strategies, you’ll learn:👻Why up to 5% of children experience specific phobias (like fear of costumes or masks)🫶How to validate your child’s emotions without reinforcing fear🫶Simple, gentle tools — from “dress-up at home” exposure games to calm-down routines — that help kids feel safe and empowered🫶Ways to model calm and build emotional resilience through play and empathyBy the end, you’ll have a step-by-step approach to turn Halloween from a night of fright into a night of connection and self-efficacy.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and keep raising emotional intelligence — one small moment at a time.Download your FREE Resource here.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

In this heartfelt episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons explores how our inner dialogue — the way we speak to ourselves — quietly shapes our children’s emotional world.We often think kids internalize what we say to them, but research shows they also absorb what we say about ourselves. From small sighs of frustration to moments of harsh self-criticism, our children are watching — and learning how to treat themselves.You’ll learn:🌱Why kids reflect our emotional patterns (and what that means for their confidence and resilience)🌱The link between self-criticism, anxious parenting, and secure attachment🌱A simple daily tool — Reframe Your Brain— to transform your self-talk into a powerful model of self-compassionWith science-backed insights and relatable storytelling, this 10-minute episode is a reminder that the way you talk to yourself becomes the way your child talks to themselves.Don't forget to share how this idea comes to life in your house!You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly explores how parents can use their family values to nurture emotional intelligence and guide positive behavior. Creating a family values visual, chart, jar, or other creative showcase will positively reinforce behaviors aligned with your values— without constant correction or conflict.You’ll learn how values act as a bridge between emotions and actions, helping kids understand why they feel what they feel and how to respond in ways that reflect your family's values. Create a visual values chart, Jar, or Piece of Art that fits your family’s unique culture.Use values language and reinforce positive behavior by naming and celebrating lived values. You will also build emotional vocabulary, empathy, and connection. Intrinsic motivation grows as you have a shared family goal and each work hard to reach it.  By the end, you’ll see how anchoring your parenting in shared values helps children not only behave better — but feel better, think more clearly, and grow into emotionally intelligent, grounded young people.** If you use stars, etc, as a reward system to start, the idea is to support your child in gaining an understanding of the shared goal and how to get there. Therefore, you cannot take away stars already given, and eventually, they will not need stars to show how you reach the goal. You can always be working toward a positive goal together as a family, which is why your "rewards" are family-based time together, adventures to celebrate your hard work. Not toys or treats or extrinsic rewards. Start with an attainable goal and continue to reach for bigger and bigger goals. **Don't forget to share how this idea comes to life in your house!You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Ruptures in connection with our kids are inevitable — we lose our patience, misunderstand their needs, or get caught up in our own stress. But according to leading psychologists, what matters most is not avoiding these ruptures, but repairing them.In this episode, Dr. Holly Symons takes you inside the science and practice of repair from the lens of emotional intelligence and attachment theory. We’ll unpack insights from Dr. Dan Siegel, who emphasizes the mantra “repair, repair, repair,” and explore Ed Tronick’s groundbreaking Still Face Experiment, which vividly demonstrates both the fragility and resilience of early relational bonds.You’ll learn why consistent repair strengthens secure attachment, how it lays the foundation for emotional intelligence, and the practical steps parents can take to reconnect meaningfully after moments of disconnection. Rather than striving for perfection, this conversation reminds us that the real growth happens in the repair, where children learn empathy, regulation, and trust.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about human connection, this episode offers both scientific grounding and practical wisdom for building healthier, more resilient relationships with children.The Whole Brain Child By Dr. Dan SiegelYou can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

What if the fastest way to grow as a parent was also the scariest — asking for feedback? In this episode, we dive into the power of self-awareness and why it matters so much when raising kids, but especially teenagers. Drawing on research from Dr. Tasha Eurich and Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, we unpack the difference between internal and external self-awareness, the blind spots that trip parents up, and how kids mirror our emotional regulation.You’ll walk away with: 🌱 A clear understanding of why feedback matters in parenting.🌱 Five practical steps to ask for and receive feedback without defensiveness.🌱 A simple weekly challenge to put self-awareness into actionBy modeling openness and curiosity, you’re not just growing yourself—you’re teaching your kids one of the most important emotional skills for life.Download your Free Resource here.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

Conflict is an inevitable part of parenting—but it doesn’t have to divide us. In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into why conflict matters, how emotional intelligence shapes the way we respond, and the powerful lessons kids learn when they see healthy conflict resolution in action.You’ll discover:💫Why conflict can actually strengthen family bonds💫The four pillars of emotional intelligence every parent can practice💫Practical tools to calm big emotions (yours and your child’s)💫How to move from power struggles to collaboration💫The importance of repairing after conflictBy the end, you’ll have a simple challenge to put these tools into practice at home. Because every conflict is a chance—not just to solve a problem, but to build resilience, empathy, and connection with your kids.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ