EMOTIONAL intelligence classes for children could be coming to Harwich in one mum's bid to help youngsters thrive.

Carly Keen has organised a free talk with the founder of Teddy's Inc, Deborah McPhilemy, on June 30.

Held at Long Meadows hall, it will see Deborah explain how emotional intelligence can help children be happier, more successful at school, and develop resilience.

Carly hopes there will be enough interest to start classes in the area.

She said: "I was looking at doing it as a toddler group and there isn't anything of that calibre in the UK at the moment.

"I've got three boys, one is my stepson, aged nine, four and two.

"My nine year old was having a tough time at school - I did some research on childhood stress and found Teddy's Inc.

"It was an eye-opener for me and changed how I parent.

"You have to validate their emotions, however silly they seem at the time.

"At the beginning it's about teaching them empathy, I think children can't always put themselves in other people's shoes.

"My youngest has been the hardest of all three children - but when he has tan"

Carly, who works at Chase Lane Primary School in Dovercourt, has been working with small groups from years three to six on emotional intelligence.

She said: "We've been talking about the brain and chemical reactions in the brain.

"They have a lot of feelings of anxiety.

"Teddy's Inc helps children recognise and manage their emotions, teaches them empathy and that talking about their feelings is acceptable.

"There’s lots of research to support the notion that emotional intelligence is more important than IQ when it comes to employment and relationships.

"This isn’t a money maker for me - I just believe it’s taking a preventative measure in helping us produce happier adults.

"Considering the biggest killer of the UK’s young men is suicide and the growing emphasis on mental health, I think this is coming at a great time."

The Teddy's Inc talk will be held on Saturday, June 30 at 10am.

Visit Teddy's Inc Harwich on Facebook for more details.