Youngsters

WHY EMOTIONAL LITERACY IS IMPORTANT

Emotional literacy is a necessity for the youngsters, who are preparing today in order to lead effectively tomorrow. Such literacy enables them to acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills for the understanding and control of their emotions.  

In addition, it enables them to have empathy and forge cordial relationships with everyone – parents, siblings, teachers, oldsters, peers and so on. The Emotional Intelligence (EI) course promoted here ensures they start with the recognition of their basic emotions, namely, happiness, sadness, excitement, fear and anger, among others.

EI releases in the youngsters the power to become whatever they dream of becoming in an enduring manner. In the end, it unleashes in them the power to lead the world into a peaceful and prosperous future.  

In this regard, Nas, an American musical artiste sang an interesting song titled, “I can.” In it, he affirmed that the youngsters can become whatever they desire in the future.

The video of the song is the first at the tail end of this page. The second one there is by Snop Dog and friends, and it is about affirming or choosing positive emotions such as happiness. Tap or click their white arrows to watch and learn.

 “If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand; if you don’t have self-awareness; if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions; if you can’t have empathy; and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”  

– Daniel Goleman

 YOUNGSTERS’ HAPPINESS AND MUCH MORE

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

Youngsters, especially the preteens, are very happy people. This is because they live in the moment. They constantly enjoy the thrills of the exciting sights and sounds associated with people, objects and events around them.

Furthermore, their trusting disposition and friendliness enable them to mingle freely with everyone. They play at will with their peers and older folks. Little wonder, they smile and laugh a lot.

The apparent happiness of youngsters should not be taken for granted. The happiness displayed by them must be sustained in our homes, schools and communities that are filled with challenges.

On this page, what they can do to sustained it are highlighted and described through two stories and pieces of advice in one feature article. There are also interesting facts about emotion, happiness and children on the page.

The page has wonderful facts about Africa, and some prompts on quiz for prize and most valuable youngster (MVY) award.

THE EMOTION CALLED HAPPINESS

By Dan G. Awe

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happiness is a strong, positive emotion that is related to other emotions such as excitement and satisfaction. Choose to be happy always.

Express it through soft, soothing laughter. Being happy reduces stress, and boosts the body’s immunity thereby. The opposite is true as well.

Being around joyous people, reading comical novels, watching comical movies and situation comedies (or sit coms) can make you happy. In addition, listening to lively, upbeat songs can stir you to happiness.

You can engage in some other activities to make yourself happy. The ensuing three points highlight them:

Eating bits of certain food like cones of ice cream and bars of chocolate once in a while;

Absorbing certain sights like those of red roses and certain sounds like those of melodious tweets of sparrows; and

Pursuing life’s purpose and being selfless, meaning doing one’s chosen, dream job enthusiastically and being a generous, caring person.

In reality, what everyone desires or needs the most in life are not money, fame, power, authority, expertise and so on. It is enduring happiness everywhere – home, school, office and community. Think about it: money, fame or power without happiness will amount to being empty and unfulfilled.

Story 1

John Lennon in School

John Lennon, a British singer, song writer and producer once told the world his true life story. The story is summarized below.

When I was a kid, my mother told me that the most important thing in life is happiness. That sank into me and has shaped my personality and attitude till this day.

Later on, when I grew up and enrolled into a school, the head teacher looked at me and asked, “What will you like to be?”

I simply replied, “Happy.”

My class teacher said I did not know what the question was all about. I respectfully asked him “Would all the people here think I did not understand the question?”

He retorted with a smile, “That’s it, boy.”

I paused for about five seconds and remarked, “That means they do not understand life.”  

Story 2

The Sad Peacock

Here is a wonderful story about a peacock who almost became depressed.

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful peacock who was dancing on a rainy day While he was busy admiring his plumage, his rough voice reminded him of his own shortcomings. All the joy beaten out of him, he was almost in tears. Suddenly, he heard a nightingale singing nearby.

Listening to the nightingale’s sweet voice, his own shortcoming once again became very evident. He began wondering why he was jinxed in such a manner. At that moment, Juno, the leader of the gods, appeared and addressed the peacock.

“Why are you upset?” Juno asked the peacock.

The peacock complained about his rough voice and how he was sad because of it. “The nightingale has such a beautiful voice. Why don’t I?”

After listening to the peacock, Juno explained, “Every living being is special in his or her own way. They are made in a certain manner that serves the greater purpose. Yes, the nightingale is blessed with a beautiful voice, but you are also blessed – with such a beautiful and glittering plumage! The trick is acceptance and making the most of what you have.”

The peacock understood how silly he had been in comparing himself to others and forgetting his own blessings. He realized that day, that everyone was unique in some way or the other.

Moral of The Story

Self-acceptance is the first step to happiness. Make the best of what you have, rather than being unhappy about what you don’t have.

Source of 2^nd story: https://parenting.firstcry.com

 “Learn as much as you can while you are young since life becomes too busy later.”

– Dana Stewart

Facts About Children, Emotion and Happiness

Some interesting facts about children, emotion and happiness have been compiled for your reading pleasure. They are stated in the paragraphs below.

Universal or Global Children’s Day is November 20 every year. In Nigeria May 27th is designated National Children’s Day.

A child actually learns and develops rapidly. This is due, in part, to the unique structure of his brain, which is filled with neural connections that are constantly being formed and shaped in response to stimulation from their environment.

Children are constantly absorbing and learning new things – this may not be obvious to all. They are always taking in all the pieces of information around them.

Children start off using both hands equally capably. Between ages 2 and 3 years, they begin the regular use of one hand. 

The primary emotions of humans are inborn and universal. They Include happiness, surprise, disgust, fear, anger and sadness.

The emotional part of the human brain steadily developed over time, well ahead of the reasoning part. That explains why we get emotional quicker than we get rational.

Dopamine is the happy-chemical or hormone released from the brain when someone anticipates doing or is actually doing something exciting.

Happiness is contagious, meaning that it is transmissible. Therefore,
surrounding yourself with happy people will cause that happiness to rub off on you.

Happiness can make a person healthy. Happiness reduces stress levels and keeps one’s blood pressure normal. This strengthens the immune system which enables the body to fight off diseases.  

FUN FACTS ABOUT AFRICA

What makes Africa the most exciting continent is not its vast land area (it’s the second largest continent in the world). It is not its enormous amount of mined diamond either (over 60% of the world’s diamond comes from its crust).

Furthermore, it is not its lively, long rivers (its Nile River is the world’s longest and harbinger of world civilization). It is not its fascinating wildlife (it’s the home to very huge hippopotami and elephants).

Africa excites and enchants amazingly because of its people, whose emotions, thoughts and actions are very wonderful. In addition, the people’s culture, which are deep-rooted and impactful, make the continent unique and delightful.

The following are nine interesting facts about Africa and its people:

Africa has 54 countries and its population is estimated to be 1.5 billion.

 Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. In 2023, its population was 224 million. Ethiopia is second with 115 million and Egypt third with 102 million.

Seychelles has the lowest population of 107,660.

Over 50% of the population of Africa are under the age of 25 years. This implies that Africa’s population is really young.

There are an estimated 3,000 ethnic groups in Africa.

The total number of indigenous languages spoken in Africa is about 2,100. Arabic is spoken by more people there. Nigeria alone has over 200 languages. 

The three main religions in Africa are Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. However, many of the people still practice traditional African religions. Some practice these alongside Christianity, Islam or Hinduism.

The Swahili phrase, “Hakuna Matata” was popularized by the movie, “Lion King” in 1994. It means, “There are no worries.” It implies that people shouldn’t worry about things that are beyond their control.

The citizens of South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia have and sing national anthems based on the same hymn, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika – Xhosa phrase for Lord Bless Africa.

PLAY AND WIN (BI-MONTHLY QUIZ COMPETITION FOR PRIZE)

To play and win some cash and books, please, dash to our Facebook page. It is @Hi EQ Acad. Don’t forget to tap or click the like/follow box before playing. When you like or follow Hi EQ Acad, you will always see updates and latest information about the Acad. Get a Facebook account to make it easier to access our Hi EQ Acad page there.

BI-MONTHLY MOST VALUABLE YOUNGSTER (MVY)

To become out Most Valuable Youngster (MVY), please, go to our Facebook page. It is @Hi EQ Acad. Don’t forget to tap or click like/follow before reading what it takes to be our MVY. When you like or follow Hi EQ Acad, you will always see updates and latest information about the Acad. Get a Facebook account to make it easier to access our Hi EQ Acad page there.

ONLINE BOOKS (E-BOOKS) YOUNGSTERS SHOULD BUY

Title 1: Understanding the Basics of Emotional Intelligence: A Workbook Approach (Price – N500); Title 2: How to Combine the Right Subjects and Choose the Right Careers: Rational and Emotional Tips for Students (Price – N1,000); Title 3: Princess Camar and the Black Cat (Price – 1,000); and Title 4: Jennifer and Other Stories: Anthology of Emotional Interest Stories Vol 1 (Price – N1,000)

How to Buy Copies: Prospective buyers in Nigeria can pay into the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Account Number 0008222221 with the Name/Title, Daniel Awe. A credible POS avenue can be used in this regard.

Prospective buyers in other countries can use any international interbank platform to make their payments.

After making payment, proceed to the Contact Page, fill out the very short form there, stating clearly your email address, WhatsApp number, name and the books desired in the comment section; and submit the filled form by tapping or clicking the ‘Send’ Button.

Once your filled form is checked and found to be flawless, you will receive within 48 hours copies of the online book requested.