In one of Dr. Schwartz’s columns in Hudson Valley Parent, he discusses the 10 qualities of “great kids.” Here’s one quality that kids need to develop in order to lead a happy, healthy life while being able to face the challenges of the 21st century. Come back tomorrow for another “great kid” quality!

Emotional Range (having passion and balance): Although children need to experience and express the full range of human emotions, they also need to master the skill of balancing their emotions. Being able to return to a place of calm during times of turbulent emotions is a skill “great kids” posses and a trait that serves us all well into adulthood. In order to help your children develop this quality, allow them to express the full range of emotions while modeling modulation and helping them learn how to regulate and understand the emotions they are expressing.

Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. He is available for group speaking engagements. He can be reached at editor@excitingread.com.