Challenges are part of our everyday life, and regardless of where we are or who we are, nature expects us to solve every one of our problem and move on.
Just like adults, children face their own set of challenges, be it a mathematics problem or bullying, all of which they are expected to face and resolve.
As a child grows there is a need for him or her to learn this important life skill, in order to lead a happy, fulfilled life. Problem-solving skills enable a child to make informed decisions on their own. This enables them to become independent and develop confidence not only in managing their lives but also wisely facing their problems.
Children lacking problem-solving skills tend to withdraw once faced by a situation and always try to run away from the issue and from taking action. A child’s inability to solve problems is not only frustrating, but also one likely to make them susceptible to bullying and fighting. Such children also may have a poor school record, few or no friends, low self-esteem, thus living dull and solitary lives.
While not giving your child space to handle a challenge on their own may be one reason for poor problem-solving capability in a child, memory problems can also be another reason for underdeveloped problem-solving skills. If a child has a problem registering information, remembering information, paying attention, or they easily get confused, there is a possibility that such a child has a working memory problem.
Dyslexia and dyspraxia also cause memory problems. For such a child, boosting his/her working memory can drastically improve problem-solving ability.
Other ways to impart problem-solving skills to your child can be through:
1. Letting your child make mistakes.
Other than providing a solution every time your child is faced by a challenge, allow them to try out a solution on their own, make mistakes and learn to move forward.
2. Together, identifying a problem and multiple potential solutions.
When faced by a difficult situation, help your child locate and state the problem, then together analyze the problem and identify possible solutions. Give the child a chance to identify some of the solutions, even unrealistic ones. Look at the pros and cons of each solution.
3. Make problem-solving fun - which is always done with a positive attitude.
4. Asking for your child’s help in handling and brainstorming some issues.
In situations where home practice does not help, or in case the child is suffering from mental or working memory problems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help.
Have a chat to Jarvis Hypnotherapy; we can help improve the child's ability to solve problems and also to improve their working memory.