Build Problem-Solving Skills
One of the major reasons, children behave badly is because they feel frustrated and powerless. When you give children the tools, they need to figure things out on their own, they will behave better because they’ll be better equipped to take care of themselves and won’t come screaming to you or act out every time, they encounter a challenge.
🟡 Let kids make decisions
Give children the opportunity to make choices as soon as they’re old enough to understand. Ask, “Do you want to wear your Elmo pajamas or your nightgown?” “Which flavor drink do you want to take to school, a Capri Sun fruit punch pouch or an orange juice pouch?” Once kids can manage these small decisions, take it up a notch: If your child is fighting with her sister, for example, instead of yelling “Don’t do that!” or giving her a time-out, ask “How can you handle this differently?” You may be surprised at the way she will come up with solutions.
🟡 Encourage a “try, try again” attitude
Sure, it’s a lot quicker for you to do everything for them, but it’s important to let preschoolers practice and succeed without your intervention—whether it’s tying their shoes, putting away toys, or sorting socks in the laundry.
🟡 Make them think things out
Stretch your child’s cognitive skills by challenging him to find answers for himself. For example, when your child asks a question about how to do something, respond with a question of your own: “What do you think you should do?” Such a response will eventually give him confidence in his own ability to figure things out.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
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