Problem Solving Phases: Improving Your Child’s Problem-Solving Skills

The way a child chooses to handle a problem they are faced with can mean the difference between raising a mature adult and one that relies on others when the going gets tough. Any problem can be tackled by following these simple steps or phases to resolution.

1. Definition. Define what the problem is and what outcome you and your child need to reach.

2. Options. Decide the possible ways you can resolve the problem. Think of all of the different ideas and make a list.

3. Evaluation. Evaluate how each possible idea could help to resolve the problem.

4. Act. Choose your plan of action that you decided upon in the evaluation process and work thought the steps towards your goal.

5. Modify (if necessary). If the plan of action was not successful in solving your child’s problem, then go back to the evaluation phase and choose a new action plan.

Repeat the evaluate, act and modify phases until the problem has been resolved and you and your child are pleased with the results. This may take a long time, so encourage your child not to get discouraged with the process.

By utilizing these phases and understanding problem-solving early on, this will only enable your child to take responsibility for the actions they take and to help them become mature, independent individuals.

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