help kids become great
problem solvers
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ociety’s constant press to be the best can lead us into a parenting fog. We’re so wrapped up in helping our children excel in school, achieve on the soccer field and connect with a good group of friends that we often forget to help our kids with essential skills they need most, such as problem solving. Problem solving isn’t a skill our children just naturally acquire, yet it’s a superpower that will help them succeed throughout their entire life. For young children, play is one of the best ways to learn problem-solving skills. Did you know puzzles and shape sorters are classic problem-solving toys? Board
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games are also great, as they help kids think critically and detect patterns. Playing hideand-seek also gives the brain a workout as kids think about where to hide or look. That’s because creativity is a big part of problem solving, so be sure to leave plenty of unstructured time for your little one to play and have freedom to roam. If a conflict happens with another child during playtime, don’t jump in right away. Instead, step back and allow your child space to figure it out. If he’s struggling, jump in and offer some solutions, such as taking turns or playing a different game. Older children without the skills to solve problems when they arise may avoid the
issue altogether, or they’ll simply end up making impulsive choices that create more problems down the road. But when given a clear formula for how to solve problems, they’ll feel more confident, manage their emotions, think creatively—and persist until they find a solution. Here are some great practices to help your children learn how to solve their own problems as they arise.
State the problem. It may seem silly, but sometimes all it takes is stating the problem aloud so your child can hear it. This simple task can do wonders in helping kids who are feeling stuck and don’t know what to do.
