Don’t we all want our little ones to grow into capable kids? And wouldn’t it be nice to finish a thought without hearing “I can’t do this” or “This is too hard” every five minutes? Let’s talk about how we can can turn our preschoolers from problem solve woes to problem-problem solving pros!
Can Preschoolers Solve Problems?
You bet they can! Similar to a superhero in training, preschoolers can learn to tackle all sorts of challenges with a pinch of advice and practice. They are like little sponges, soaking up knowledge and skills faster than you can say “super-duper!”
Understanding the Size of the Problem
First things first, let’s talk about the types of the problem.
- Some problems are like little bumps in the road, easy for kids to handle all by themselves. Like when a Lego tower falls over or a crayon breaks – those are small problems.
- Then there are medium problems, that they may need help from a friend or maybe an adult. For example, they can’t find their favorite toy or they are unsure how to build a block tower.
- And finally, there are big problems, emergencies that immediately need help from adult. If someone gets hurt or you need help with something super tricky.
Knowing the size of the problem helps kids figure out when they can solve it themselves and when they might need a grown-up’s help.
Practice Makes Perfect
Give your preschooler some fun STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) challenges to tackle.
You know, those cool puzzles or building toys that make them think, “Hmm, how can I make this work?” Encourage them to try different ideas, fix any mistakes, and then share their awesome creations with you.
Attack it When it Happens
And when everyday problems pop up – like squabbles with friends or not wanting to clean up their room – use them as teachable moments. Remind your child about the size of the problem and offer a couple of solutions they can try out.
Lead by Example
Show your little problem-solver how it’s done by talking through your own challenges. “Hmm, I can’t find my car keys anywhere. That’s frustrating! But I’m going to take a deep breath and think about where I last had them.” When they see you dealing with your own problems calmly, they’ll learn that it’s okay to feel frustrated sometimes and that there’s always a way to figure things out.
Keep Building Those Social Skills
Help your preschoolers become masters of their emotions by teaching them to name their feelings.
When they can say, “I’m feeling sad because I didn’t get a turn with the toy,” they’re already halfway to finding a solution.
And if you need some extra help with emotions, check out this out!
Yes, Preschoolers CAN Problem Solve!
With a little practice and a lot of encouragement, your preschooler will be solving problems like a pro in no time. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready for some problem-solving fun together!