POPS Paper

Student Wellbeing

Problem Solving

Problem Solving is Topic 4 of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum. This week in their Wellbeing lesson, students looked at how they can develop their problem-solving skills. It is important to help students learn a range of problem-solving skills so they are able to cope with the challenges they will face in the future. The World Health Organisation identifies problem-solving as a key skill for health. To be able to solve problems, children need to be able to think critically and evaluate the consequences of various actions.

Effective problem-solving skills support children's ability to self-regulate, focus on tasks, think flexibly and creatively, work with others, and generate multiple ways to solve problems. When young children develop and build these skills, it positively impacts their interactions with others, grows their capacity to manage challenges, and boosts a sense of competence.

Whether it’s a toy-related conflict, a tough math equation, or negative peer pressure, children of ALL ages face problems and challenges on a daily basis.

As parents or teachers, we can’t always be there to solve every problem for our children. In fact, this isn’t our job. Our job is to TEACH children how to solve problems by themselves. The best thing we can do is to ask questions and let the child do the thinking. We need to listen to their ideas and give encouragement. Here are some suggestions if they are unable to think of solutions:

  • Do not solve the problem for your child.
  • Ask questions to help your child think through the problem and the solutions.
  • Allow your child to come up with possible solutions. Some might seem reasonable, others silly.
  • Encourage your child to find as many solutions as possible.
  • Do not criticise your child’s solutions.
  • Listen very carefully to what your child says and observe how your child feels
  • Offer suggestions if your child is stuck and can’t think of any solutions.
  • Let your child choose a solution to try.
  • Help your child to think ahead to see if the chosen solution might work.

This way, they can become confident, independent, and successful individuals.