Your Child – The Problem Solver!

When you ask your child to explain why they did or did not do something is their immediate response, “I DON’T KNOW? Truth be it, they might not actually know why they thought the best way to handle a situation was what they chose. Don’t let them go into adulthood, not knowing how to solve life’s problems.

Whether your child is a “gifted” student, a “struggling” student or an “average” performing student, whether in school, work or private life, they will encounter problems in form of situations, issues, career, relationships, school or work which will demand our children to be able to solve them. While some problems are pretty straightforward with a laid path for solving them or known solution, this is not always the case.

Whether it is solving their brother’s problems or making a decision that will impact their life goals, problem solving skills come in handy when our children are able to resolve a complex situation or difficulty. No one is born knowing how to handle problems; it is a learned skill and builds from one situation to another. However, there is a set of steps one goes through when solving a problem. This makes the process streamlined and will guide our children to an effective and quick resolution of nearly any type problem.

Here are the five steps to use when solving problems

Identify the Problem

The whole process of solving a problem relies on first identifying the problem in clear certain terms. Our children have to be sure they are addressing the root of the problem and not symptoms or resulting effects. The very definition of problem solving is identifying the nature of a problem, breaking it down and coming up with a set of actions to address the problem and its resulting challenges. Define the problem in concise and clear terms to be able to plan on resolving it.

Define the Main Elements of the Problem

The key to resolving the problem is breaking it in smaller and manageable parts. This is possible through identifying the elements of the problem. This makes the problem more manageable and our child can create a plan around the various elements and even identify the best solutions as they will be knowing the different aspects of the problem. They can easily plan concrete steps to resolve the problem.

Examine Possible Solutions

Having identified the elements of the problem it becomes important to look for the various possible solutions of each particular element of the problem in general. Deep analysis of the viability of each solution and the potential side effects have to be analyzed. It is important to think creatively and weigh different solutions while integrating several solutions together to have a comprehensive and effective solution in the end. Do not just entertain any haphazard solution as this can easily result in winding discussions and further time wastage.

Act on Resolving the Problem

All our children have done will be wasteful if they cannot come up with a concrete action plan. The plan should be a step by step execution plan and everyone involved should understand why the solution is the best. Act on the plan as soon as possible while also monitoring and evaluating the whole action of the plan.

Look for Lessons Learned and Evaluate the Process

As earlier indicated with each solved problem our children gain expertise and a new experience as well as confidence. Our children should look for all the lessons and evaluate how they could have made the problem-solving process they have had much faster and more effective.

Many of our children can learn these skills by themselves, some can learn them with parents help, yet some would benefit by having professional help. At the Support for Students Growth Center in Boca Raton, FL we are experts in empowering young people to develop the “success skills” they need to navigate the challenges in life. Since 2012 we have been providing individual and group services in tutoring, coaching and counseling young people ages 4 into adulthood, just like yours. Explore the services we offer, that the schools just don’t offer, at https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Cert. Developmental and Behavioral Specialist and Associates

Info@SupportForStudentsGrowthCenter.com www.SupportForStudentsGrowthCenter.com

For more information about Dr. Nach’s Online Resources and how to enroll, visit our website at: http://drnachonline.com/

The 5 Principles of Effective Goal Setting

Learning the role of goal setting in the attainment of success cannot be overstated. Setting goals provides focus and direction to your and your child’s work. It also provides a basis upon which you can track your own progress. The challenge most people have with goal setting is how to go about the process and come up with effective goals. The starting point of an effective goal setting strategy is a personal evaluation and identifying what you want to achieve. There is enough hard work at each stage. Here are the five principles that govern effective goal setting:

Set Goals That Motivate You

If you are going to work hard for the attainment of your goals, they need to inspire you. This means setting goals that are important to you and in which you will find value in achieving. Your goals should reflect your high priorities in life. They should also be prioritized to have a better focus instead of too many goals which are hard to plan for their attainment. Get goals that have a sense of urgency, for you to build the necessary commitment. For every goal you set ask yourself why it is valuable and how it adds up to your present and long term fulfilment as well as relate to other goals you have set.

Set SMART Goals

This is such a repeated principle – it almost sounds like cliché. However, not many people apply it when setting goals. For your goals to be powerful and effective they have to meet all the evaluation standards of SMART goal. These are:

Specific– Your goals should be well defined in a concise manner. Vague goals lack clarity of direction and will not help you focus.

Measurable– Your goals should have ways you can evaluate them to know how far you are in achieving them and when you have achieved them. Get the precise amounts, dates and any other data to help you measure the goals.

Attainable– Set goals that you can achieve. If you have no hope of achieving a set goal you will only be demoralized. This does not mean setting easy goals that you can attain without breaking a sweat as it can be an anti-climax.

Relevant– Goals have to be relevant with the career you want to take, your personal development and well-being. Even when the goals cover different facets of your life ensure they are related to one another to avoid setting widely scattered and inconsistent goals.

Time bound– Your goals should have a deadline to create a sense of urgency.

Set the Goals in Writing

When you write down your goal it becomes tangible and takes on a real form. Write them in powerful statements and frame them positively. Have the goals at visible places where you can see them daily.

Make an Action Plan

This is what provides the outline for how the goals will be achieved. Set out the process in clear and concise steps. You can cancel each concluded step to help you map out your progress.

Stick with Your Plan and Goals

Setting goals and achieving them is a continuous process building from one success to another. Keep yourself on track and persist regardless of any setbacks until you achieve what you set out for.

At The Support for Students Growth Center in Boca Raton, we are expert in helping your children develop their “success skills” including “Goal Setting”. Call me for a free phone consultation and I will help your plan so that your child makes SMART GOALS.

For more information about Dr. Nach’s Online Resources and how to enroll, visit our website at: http://drnachonline.com/