How to increase problem solving skill in kids?

Problem-solving skills are an important aspect of a child’s personality that prepares them for the challenges of the future. Now the question arises, how to increase the problem-solving ability in kids? Well, the approach may be different for different age groups of kids and also differ from child to child as every kid may struggle with different parts of problem-solving and picking the part which baffles the kid the most may help the child understand how to deal with problems better and not get impatient or frustrated when faced with a set of problems or challenges in life.

So, here are a few steps that you should encourage your child to do to deal with any problem.

1. Break it into parts: Now a big problem may look complicated, scary and impossible to break into. This leads children to have fear of the problems and having an ignorant approach towards them where they would want to avoid the conflicting situations or challenges in their life at all costs. This may work for some time but let’s be honest no one can do it forever and the sooner they learn to face the problem the better they become at handling any problem without giving in.
2. Learn: Now every part requires a certain level of skill and practice to crack. For example – if the problem is solving a Jigsaw puzzle then the skill required is colour and picture coordination in the child. If they learn it and become good at it then it is much easier for them to put the puzzle together.
3. One thing at a time: Teach your kid, to focus on one thing at a time and focus on solving one part of the problem at a time. As it makes it easier for them to grasp the problem rather than taking a large problem which may feel overbearing to think about all at once.
4. Patience: Stick through the process till the end. Patience is a virtue that most of us do not appreciate enough. Therefore it is important to get your kids to learn patience from a young age and how important it is to stick through a task till the end.

Increasing problem-solving skills in kids is a valuable way to help them develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Encourage Open-Ended Play

• Give them games and toys which encourage them to work independently without any preset rules. DIY or do-it-yourself toys are specifically helpful for kids as they encourage them to build a toy or model from simple blocks and help them use their imagination and critical thinking to build the final model. Some the important examples of such toys are – lego, magnetic blocks, DIY cars, and DIY doll house models.

2. Puzzles:

• Introduce small puzzles to kids at first and encourage them to play with puzzles and learn spatial as well as picture recognition early on. As they become proficient in assembling smaller-scale puzzles introduce bigger and more complicated puzzles. Puzzles like mathematical puzzles such as SUDOKU or jigsaw and mazes are great ways to encourage children to get into problem-solving as they present a single problem that needs to be solved.

3. Multiple Ways to Approach

• Encourage kids to look at a problem in multiple ways and come up with different solutions to the same problem. For example, if your kid is having a hard time making friends in a new school ask them what might be the ways that can help them gel with other students. One of the ways might be participating in school events where they get to work with other kids forming a good bond with them during the activity. Another approach might be asking one of the children for help with school assignments or other homework problems.

4. Allow Mistakes

• Mistake is an essential part of growing up and are bound to happen during the learning process and even afterwards. Too much fear of mistake or failure may cause you to avoid challenging situations and therefore hinder problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential to create an environment where mistakes are not frowned upon. Mistakes should be looked at as a learning opportunity.

5. Improve focus Building

In today’s fast-paced world, improved focus-building plays a crucial role in a child’s development. It helps them tackle challenges head-on, making problem-solving much easier and more enjoyable!

• Games that require strategy, like chess or simple puzzles, are excellent for enhancing focus building. They encourage kids to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills while having a blast!
• Consider toys that promote hands-on activities, such as building blocks or logic games. These not only keep kids entertained but also foster their ability to concentrate and solve problems effectively. Let’s build their focus and watch them flourish!

6. Building Patience

• Building patience in kids is more vital than one might think! It lays the foundation for critical problem-solving skills, allowing children to tackle challenges with a level head.
• Incorporating games and toys that require waiting turns, like board games or puzzles, can effectively enhance their ability to be patient. Trust us, those extra minutes spent waiting for their turn can lead to giggles and growth!
• Crafting and construction toys also serve as excellent tools for building patience in kids. As they figure out how to manipulate these materials, they cultivate the resilience needed for effective problem-solving.

7. Group Play and Board Games

• As kids engage in board games, they not only strategize but also learn to think critically. Every move requires them to solve problems, weigh options, and make decisions. It’s like a mini-bootcamp for their brains, disguised as fun!
• Group play nurtures social skills and teamwork, helping kids build relationships while honing their problem-solving abilities. So, gather around the table and play a game – because who said improving skills couldn’t be entertaining?

8. Encourage Children to be Objective about their Issues

• In today’s world, children face various challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Teaching them to deal with issues objectively is crucial. By fostering a mindset of objectivity, kids learn to assess situations without emotional biases, leading to better decision-making.
• When children embrace a problem-solving approach, they develop essential skills that will serve them throughout life. By analyzing situations calmly and strategically, they can find effective solutions rather than getting bogged down by feelings.
• Encourage your kids to tackle issues head-on! Remind them that every problem has a solution and that cultivating a friendly yet witty approach can make challenges seem less daunting. With practice, they’ll become adept at problem-solving and face their issues like the champions they are!

10. Encourage them to define social problems around them

• Why not encourage your little ones to look around and ask questions? If they notice a littered park or unkind behaviour at school, these can be the perfect starting points for some good old-fashioned brainstorming. Problem-solving isn’t just a skill; it’s an adventure waiting to happen!
• As your kids work on defining these issues, they develop critical thinking skills they’ll carry into adulthood. Problem-solving today leads to being change-makers tomorrow. So, let’s gear up and show our children that they can make a difference, one small problem at a time!

11. Thinking in terms of cause and effect

• Understanding the cause-and-effect relationship is like giving your child a superpower in problem-solving! When kids grasp how one action leads to another, they develop critical thinking skills that can help them navigate challenges effectively.
• Encourage your little ones to explore various scenarios—what happens if they don’t finish their homework? This approach promotes a deeper thought process, making them aware of the consequences of their actions.
• Whether it’s through games, stories, or everyday situations, nurturing a cause and effect mindset makes learning engaging. You’re not just teaching them to think; you’re equipping them to tackle life’s puzzles with a smile!

12. Asking Questions

• As parents, one of the best strategies we can use is to ask questions to your kid. It’s not just about getting answers; it’s about opening up a dialogue that fosters their problem-solving skills. When you present a problem, encourage your child to express their thoughts freely. What do they think the solutions could be?
• After gathering various ideas, delve into the whys behind each suggestion. Discussing potential solutions together helps children understand the resources needed for each choice. This collaborative approach enhances their critical thinking and keeps them engaged in the process.
• By asking questions and discussing the options, you’re equipping your child with invaluable decision-making skills. They’ll learn that it’s completely fine to explore, question, and arrive at solutions together. So go ahead, initiate those conversations, and watch their creativity flourish!