Your Child The Problem Solver
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/
