Every day your child takes in new information and then tests that new information. Your child’s ability to acquire this information and store it for later problem solving is dependent on the support and nurturing you provide through these experiences. The information she already knows enables her to use a variety of approaches to solve problems. Even if she fails the f irst time, she will try one or even two dif ferent strategies before she begins to get overwhelmed and frustrated.
You will notice that your child is learning from her mistakes and using the feedback given to her when you see how she changes her techniques to solve the next problem. Your child’s ability to use trial and error thinking skills—by touching and doing—is one of the most important cognitive developments during this age.
Encouraging independence promotes problem-solving abilities. When your child has a “problem,” such as a toy that won’t make that special noise, she becomes motivated to figure out why. Motivation drives children’s problem-solving skills.
Remember you must be present and provide support to your child when needed. If she becomes too overwhelmed with trying to f ind a solution to a problem, she will give up and the learning opportunity will be lost. Problem-solving skills are tools that your child will use for the rest of her life.
Learning continues throughout your child’s life. But there are “prime times” or “windows of opportunity” when the brain is a super sponge, absorbing new information each day. Now is one of those prime times!
Teach problem solving to your child slowly, patiently, and consistently! Learning is a process that happens over time.
Many problem-solving skills are important for brain development. Here’s how you can nurture the development of problem-solving skills:
1. Open the window for learning opportunities by creating hands-on problem-solving experiences with learning toys and materials or even everyday household items.
2. Be responsive to your child’s signals for support or at tention; this builds trust.
3. Create a safe environment, allow mistakes to be made, and reduce stress.
4. Give time each day to practicing songs and stories and looking at books with words.
5. Always remember to give opportunities for your child to work above her current abilities with help from you (toss a ball and expand how far you toss over time).
