Kids emotional intelligence coaching is a phrase more Greek parents in the UK are typing into Google as the dark evenings arrive and routines tighten after half term. Children are back in school, the clocks have gone back, Christmas is only weeks away, and many families notice that feelings run a little higher at home. This guide explains what the approach involves, what to look for, and where to find a Greek speaking coach who works online with families across the UK.
Emotional intelligence means noticing and naming feelings, understanding what triggers them, and choosing how to respond. Coaching for children and teenagers is a structured, conversation based way of practising those skills, usually in short sessions that are adapted to the age of the child. It is different from therapy: coaching looks at everyday skills such as communication, confidence and handling frustration, rather than diagnosing or treating a condition.
Katerina Papaioannou, a Greek List member, offers exactly this. According to her listing, she works to the international standards of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and focuses on emotional intelligence and the wellbeing of children and teenagers. Her sessions are held online, which suits families who live far from central London or who simply want to avoid another trip after school.
Greek List member: Katerina Papaioannou Kids Life Coach offers online kids emotional intelligence coaching and social emotional learning programmes. See her full listing for contact details and the articles she has written for parents.
Many Greek and Cypriot children in the UK move between two languages and two cultures every day. They may speak Greek with grandparents, English at school, and switch again at a Saturday Greek school. That flexibility is a strength, but it also means children are constantly reading different social cues. Having the words for feelings, in whichever language feels natural, can make home conversations easier.
Katerina writes for parents in Greek on her listing, with titles such as managing daily conflict around screens, setting limits without shouting, and why a child may not seem to listen. If your family prefers to talk about feelings in Greek, that is a practical reason to look for a Greek speaking coach rather than translating everything into English at the kitchen table.
Her listing describes evidence based online coaching sessions and social emotional learning programmes designed to build resilience and self confidence in young people. It also says she works closely with parents and educators, so that the same language and expectations are used at home and in the school community. For many families that joined up approach is what makes kids emotional intelligence coaching feel practical rather than abstract.
A typical first step is simply a conversation about what you would like to change, how old your child is, and what a good week would look like. Ask any coach about their training, how sessions are structured, how parents are involved, and how they handle safeguarding for children. Those are reasonable questions, and a good professional will welcome them.
Whether or not you book a coach, the NHS offers free guidance. Its page Talking to your child about feelings suggests, among other things, paying attention to how a child plays and commenting gently on what you see, letting the subject go if the child does not want to talk and trying again another time, and remembering that other trusted adults such as grandparents, aunts, uncles or teachers can also offer support.
The same page advises being truthful at an age appropriate level when children are worried by scary news, saying that it is normal to be concerned, encouraging questions and reassuring them that you will keep them safe. If you are still worried about your child, it recommends speaking to your GP.
Please note: this article is general information and not advice. Kids emotional intelligence coaching is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. If you are concerned about your child, speak to your GP.
The run up to Christmas is busy, and children often pick up on adult stress. Small routines help: a regular time to chat after school, a feelings check in at bedtime, and a calm plan for the days when the family is travelling to Greece or Cyprus or hosting relatives. Writing the plan together, even as a simple list on the fridge, gives children a sense of what is coming.
If you are travelling, you can also read our guide to Christmas in Greece from London. And if you are new to Katerina, our earlier article on a kids life coach for Greek families in the UK covers the basics of what a first session can look like.
Her Greek List listing includes her description in English and Greek, her categories (family support, kids coaching and teen coaching) and a form to send a request. The listing is the best place to start if you would like to ask a question before committing to anything.
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