• Published by Salma Safira Sukma from BehaviorPALS Center 

Problem-solving skills are very important for everyone. Having these skills will help us get through many things in life. Children also face difficulties and problems in their daily life from academic tasks to having a conflict with their siblings or friends. Having good problem-solving skills will help children make the right move and become independent while handling difficult situations rather than avoiding them. Children who lack problem solving abilities may react impulsively to problems and make an even bigger problem. Therefore, it is crucial to teach children problem-solving skills from an early age. 

Here are several ways to teach children problem-solving skills:

1. Use everyday activities

As we face problems everyday in our lives, it is a good idea to let your kids know that problems can happen all the time and we just need to solve them. This way children won’t be too surprised or panicked when they are suddenly faced with a problem. For example, when you go grocery shopping with your kids and the store is running out of apple juice when you planned to get one, you can ask your kids and let them come up with a solution of what you should get instead. 

2. Discuss and practice

When your child is having a difficulty, it will be helpful to ask some questions and have discussions so they are encouraged to think clearly about the situation. For example, when your kid seems upset because their little brother is playing with the toys, you can ask them or help them state what the problem is and how they feel about it. Then, brainstorm for some solutions together, ask them what they think they can do about it and what will probably happen next. After that, help them to identify which solution might be best and then encourage them to test it out. Make sure to let them know that it’s OK to make mistakes and some solutions might not work out, but the important thing is to try again. Last but not least, don’t forget to give praise and positive feedback for their ideas and efforts to work on the problem.

3. Use stories and books

Stories and children's books are great tools to teach children about problem solving. While reading or telling stories to your children, you can ask open-ended questions about what happened in the story. For example, ask them about what are the book’s character problems and how the character handled them. You can also ask them why the solution worked out in the story and encourage them to think of what they would probably do if they are in a similar situation.

4. Model problem solving

Children mostly learn by example, so it is important that parents can model good problem solving behavior. For instance, you can say out loud what problem you are currently going through and how you feel about them. Show them that it is OK to feel sad or upset when things didn’t go as planned, but make it clear that the important thing is to handle the problem calmly and positively.

References: 

Mattingly, J. (2020, November 30). Developing problem-solving skills for kids: Strategies and tips. Kodable. https://www.kodable.com/learn/problem-solving-skills-for-kids

Mesrobian, C. (2021, December 20). Problem solving for preschoolers: 9 ways to strengthen their skills. Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/problem-solving-for-preschoolers/ 

Morin, A. (2021, April 13). How to teach kids problem-solving skills. Very Well Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/teach-kids-problem-solving-skills-1095015 

By: Salma Safira Sukma Ikhsani, S.Psi. from BehaviorPALS

teach, problem solving skills, kids

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Social Development / Tumbuh Kembang Sosial / Education / Pendidikan / Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Your Kids

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