In an ever-evolving world, childhood is far from being the carefree period of life as some imagine it to be.
Facing an array of obstacles, a lot of children face issues such as a lack of self-confidence, little courage and poor self-esteem. Then, there are children who face emotional trauma, abuse and find themselves the victims of bullying.
Despite the efforts of school teachers and parents, there are times when children need that extra bit of guidance and help. Which is where Teddy’s Inc. steps in.
Teddy’s Inc. is a United Kingdom (UK) based company, which focuses on developing children’s emotional health. “We focus on children’s EQ, which is Emotional Intelligence,” explains Tracy Chetty, a certified EQ tutor for the company.
Chetty has now brought Teddy’s Inc. to Newcastle and gives classes to children between the ages of three years old to nine years old.
“I have a nine-year-old son and I initially became involved with Teddy’s Inc because of him. Once I saw how it was benefitting him, I wanted to share it with other children.”
But what do the Teddy Inc. classes focus on? And why is Emotional Intelligence so important?
“Emotional Intelligence is the way of the future. If you look at the crime statistics, the suicide rate and bullying, these figures will all drop if you focus on developing a child’s EQ,” emphasises Chetty.
EQ is a measurement of a person’s adequacy in such areas as self-awareness, empathy, and dealing sensitively with other people.
“Teachers don’t always have the time to focus on issues such as bullying. By registering children for the classes, it will prove beneficial to everyone. Teachers can focus more on their lessons, children will be more focused, and parents will have stronger children,” Chetty explains.
The classes focus on different aspects of emotional well-being. These include:
Emotional Building Blocks:
This focuses on confidence, courage, self-esteem, self-worth, self-value and emotional literacy.
Life Skills Communication:
This part of the class looks at listening, empathy, actions and how to.
Fundamentals for future success:
As a child grows as an individual, this section of the class looks at self-motivation, goal setting and bully prevention.
Life coping skills to deal with:
Emotional trauma, abuse, bullying and hurtful memories.
“EQ is more important than IQ (Intelligence Quotient), as it leads to success in life in both the work and personal relationships,” emphases Chetty.
The classes are designed in such a way, that all children can benefit from them. From children with disabilities to those looking at becoming emotional stronger.
With the course focusing on helping children to become more emotionally healthy, Chetty says the course involves EQ games, arts and crafts, as well as storytelling.
The storytelling revolves around fictional characters called the Bears of Blue Berry Forrest. Each bear represents a certain issue and emotion, to help children identify with the said emotions within themselves.
With the course tackling serious issues through a stimulating and fun way, Chetty encourages parents to sign their children up for the classes.
The extramural EQ classes take place every Saturday from 9 am until 12 pm at St Dominics Newcastle. Classes cost R75 per child, per lesson.
“We made the classes affordable for everyone, as it is important for our children to benefit from it and become emotionally healthy adults,” says Chetty.
Whether your child is scared of going to school out of fear of being bullied, poor self-esteem or lacks motivation, be sure to set your child on the right path in becoming a success.
Tracy Chetty can be contacted on 083 417 8945 or [email protected].
