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Teaching Problem Solving Skills to Children - Why are they so Important?

By Andrew Loh



Problem solving in children is a critical survival skill. Problem solving skills are necessary to resolve conflicts that arise on almost every day. Problem solving skills are necessary to solve children's own problems, which eventually will assist them to build self composure, as well as self esteem and self confidence. Problem solving skills assist children solve their own problems, big or small, with a sense of immense confidence. Whether your children are already attending their school today or whether they are still at home, teaching problem solving skills will help them develop a dynamic personality and smart mind. When your children know to how to solve problems, they can flourish very well in their classroom by scoring better grades and marks. Furthermore, problem solving skills also help your children confront any type of problems or obstacles that they come across in the society.

Problems are the real facts of life. Everyone in this world has them. It really does not matter whether someone is stinking rich or very poor. Problems haunt people every day and night. Likewise, even children are not immune to it; children have their own problems that they face in the classroom and in home. Children can deal with any type of problem in their own way. Some of the methods they use could be very methodic, while others are very inferior. In many cases, the methods that children use to solve their problems are at best rudimentary. For children, this can mean a lot of things. If your children fail to solve their problems, they may feel dejected and disappointed. On the other hand, children who can solve problems can feel very confident and bold.

For children, learning how to effectively solve common, day-to-day problem can mean the big difference between success and failure. For all of us, solving problems is a necessary part of life. Lacking the ability to solve problems could become a great source of panic and anxiety in children. Problem solving is not a tough act of science, but it is an art of enduring any given situation with alacrity and quick mind.

What is a problem?

As per definition provided by Wikipedia “a problem is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose. It refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved. In a broad sense, a problem exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference between what actually is and what is desired between one or more individual.

In a child's life, problems can be any unresolved and unsolved dilemmas, riddles and mental conflicts, for which answers are yet to be designed and executed. Many problems in a child's life can be very simple and easily solvable. However, there may be some situations, when the problems faced by children could be more serious and acute. If there are such problems, it is the right time for your children to ask for someone's help or assistance. However, children may not have been trained in the process of problem solving. Many parents might not have trained their children to learn how to solve problems. In life, problems can be unique, elusive and special depending on different situations. It may not be possible for a parent to teach all problem solving skills that exist in the world. However, they may still use some simple methods to train their children in the domain of problem solving.

What is problem solving?

According to Wikipedia, “problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills.

Today's children may not possess good problem solving skills. When faced with unique challenges, they may lack an ability to analyze different options to solve problems. In fact, many children may wait for their parents to lead them the correct direction to solve their problems. However, every child has a unique ability to solve problem on their own. What they need is a number of solid inputs in the form of intelligent problem solving methods and techniques. Parents can help their children solve problem skills by using many universally accepted methods of problem solving.

Learning how to solve problems will provide a number of unique benefits to your children. Some of these benefits are:

  • Development of confidence and courage.
    Enhancement of self image and self esteem.

  • Creating a dynamic personality that is full of energy and vigor.

  • Better classroom learning and comprehension.

  • An ability to face any odds or difficulties.

Children, who can solve problems, could become a child who can succeed in any spheres of life, a classroom or society. Parents can help their children develop an innate ability to solve any type of problems. Continue to read Teaching Problem Solving Skills to Children: Methods and Techniques here.



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