date_rangeMay 01, 2020
We have all heard of the term Problem-Solving. It is one of the most vital skills tested during entrance exams, job interviews, etc. Most industries prefer their employees to have excellent problem-solving skills, and this is an essential skill in life.
According to Wikipedia, Problem-Solving consists of using generic or ad hoc methods in an orderly manner to find solutions to problems.
As children go about their day-to-day, it is normal for them to come across different situations and challenges. If children learn the art of Problem-Solving at an early age, it helps them in a lot of ways:
Children who have well-developed Problem Solving Skills will not hide from problems. These could be problems related to studies or play or anything else. They will try to find a way to deal with it and move past it.
Children who have excellent Problem Solving Skills tend to apply them in their studies as well. They aren't afraid of studying new things. Instead, they dive into the latest topics, understand concepts well, and are ready to continue learning.
Children who have been trained to solve problems are the ones who are keen to find solutions to more significant issues. This is the quality most industries are looking for in employees. It is also a trait of successful entrepreneurs. The confidence of children with well-developed Problem-Solving Skills is very high. They gain more confidence as they solve new problems, and this, in turn, makes them very confident individuals.
When your child comes to you with a small problem, motivate him to find a solution himself. Be there with him through the process of finding a solution. Let's look at an example here. If your child has an art project to be completed by the weekend, instead of doing it for him or giving him all the details, let him find a topic that interests him and find ideas to do it. Ask him about his thoughts and be there to help if he needs any inputs. But let him try to think of ways to do it. This will help him feel the joy of having done his art project himself, and he will feel a sense of achievement.
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” - Socrates
Take any problem, like 'Water Scarcity'. Talk to your child about it and make him aware of the issue. Tell him how it's affecting everyone in the world - plants, animals, and human beings. Once the child is aware of the problem, gently ask him for his take on it, and what he thinks each of us can do to help. He may come up with some beautiful ideas of his own. This is a simple approach but is very useful.
Tell your child it's ok to fail sometimes
It is normal for your child not to be able to solve all the problems he encounters. At this time, it is essential to tell him not to give up. Let's look at this with a simple example.
Your child tried to grow a few plants in the garden. He did everything he had to, but the plants didn't grow well. Instead of him giving up on the idea of ever taking up gardening, you can sit with him and find the possible reasons why the plants didn't grow. You can also work up solutions to help grow the plants better the next time. Teach him to accept failure and move on without giving up. This is a great skill to have, even as an adult.
Encourage your child to ask questions
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”- Albert Einstein
When your child comes to you with a problem or you have a discussion about any problem in the world, it is essential to let your child ask as many questions as he can. This simple process of asking questions might be what helps him come up with an answer as well.
Now that your child has spoken to you about his solution to a problem, it is a great practice to just sit with him and discuss or brainstorm other possible approaches with him. This will help him expand his thinking and will gradually help him improve his Problem Solving Skills.
A little bit of practice goes a long way in helping your child become a better Problem Solver. This skill when developed in childhood will go a long way in making the child a successful individual. Let’s strive to make our future generation great thinkers, problem solvers, and contributors to society.
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