Interpersonal intelligence in children is an aptitude that most people naturally possess during childhood. It’s a type of skill that many of us are born with, but few retain into adulthood. For this reason, it’s essential to understand how we can develop and help maintain this valuable trait in our children.

But first, let’s understand what interpersonal intelligence in children entails.

Interpersonal intelligence is one of the abilities described in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It involves the ability to understand others’ emotions and behaviors and effectively communicate with them.

As children, we are highly sensitive to the emotions and situations of the people in our lives. This sensitivity allows us to quickly detect the mood of our parents or siblings with only a bit of interaction. However, as we grow older, some adults lose this skill. Although this may sound exaggerated to some, there is a scientific basis for it. The fact is, during childhood, our brains are especially receptive to external stimuli related to learning about the world around us, a crucial aspect of biological development.

Similarly, as children, we have a natural confidence and ease in forming social connections. This characteristic is very present in many successful individuals today, such as politicians, celebrities, corporate leaders, heads of state, etc.

As children grow and encounter a variety of social experiences, interpersonal intelligence plays a critical role in their emotional well-being, their ability to form meaningful relationships, and their overall success in life.

Empathy is a fundamental component of interpersonal intelligence. By developing empathy, children learn to put themselves in others’ shoes and understand how they feel. This skill allows them to respond appropriately and compassionately, facilitating the building of meaningful relationships and strong social bonds.

The relationship between interpersonal intelligence and emotional development in children is evident in both their social relationships and academic performance.

The development and maintenance of interpersonal intelligence in children are based on activities that provide diverse interaction experiences. Any activity involving emotions such as joy, sadness, or fear can leave a lasting impression in childhood, allowing the brain to encode behaviors that will emerge in adulthood, even if the events that triggered them are no longer remembered.

Here are some activities that can help foster interpersonal intelligence in young children:

• Theater plays: Participating in a play at school, home, or in other settings allows for the development of attitudes and helps children refine their responses to stimuli. This way, they learn how to navigate social interactions more effectively.
• Role-playing: Playing imitation games at home, where they mimic family members or favorite characters, is a fun way to absorb and reinforce interpersonal intelligence as a lasting trait.
• Introducing them to new friendships: Encourage participation in camps, sports events, or any situation where they can safely interact with others. This is an excellent way for them to start understanding and appreciating different perspectives, with rules and experiences that differ from those at school or home.