How can you enhance the skills of problem solving and decision making in your child

We all know life presents each of us with many challenges and problems over the course of lifetime. Today we often see many kids do not have the skills to solve problems. They usually shut themselves or run away from the situation when faced with a problem. Hence it is very important part of parenting role to teach them skills of problem solving and decision making right from an early age. As they grow up they will face many challenges and problems which they will have to solve without the help of others. Also these skills are keys to their happiness, personal fulfillment, self esteem, relationships, finances, faith, self esteem, health, work and spiritual development. If your child never learns to evaluate a situation and make sound decisions, he will suffer for it in all of the above mentioned areas of his life. 

Most of the parents do not give opportunities to their children to solve problems or make decisions. They want to protect their kids from the troubles of the world. They are always there to point out the right direction, or worse to solve problems for them. By doing this you are hampering your child’s personal growth and maturity. On the other side if you let your child explore and provide him with opportunities and experiences to deal with situation by evaluating them, it will encourage numerous skills that will empower the kids and foster independence in them. It is the responsibility of the parents to prepare their children to deal with their own problems. Learning these skills is much like other kinds of learning that take place in childhood. It is built gradually through experience with trial and error, layer upon layer over a period of time.

What role can parent’s play to teach decision making and problem solving skills in children?

• Throughout childhood make all bottom line decisions regarding your child’s safety, health and well being.
• Always encourage your child to be a question asker and information gatherer. Do not discourage him when he is inquisitive.
• The child should be given opportunities to make age appropriate choices and decisions in his daily life.
• When it comes to daily problems do not provide ready answers let your child brainstorm about possible solutions.
• Whenever he makes a good decision and solution in action, praise him for it.
• It is important that you be a good decision maker and problem solver, role model to your child.
• Help the child think through the consequences of her decisions.
• Be there and provide emotional safety net for your child along the way as there are bound to be some mistakes in choices and solutions.
• Your child might become fearful of failure if you overreact to mistakes and he might become reluctant to make future choices or find solutions. 

As a parent we want to see our children eventually navigate their own course in life. But to help them navigate they should become a good problem solver and decision maker. The ordinary ups and downs of childhood make a good arena for learning. But it is important that you should as a parent pick and choose which problems they are equipped to deal with which are beyond their capability. For a child making a mistake is the most valuable way to learn, parents should refrain from offering suggestions and giving commands unless it is a serious matter which can deeply affect the child. They should follow communication methods that allow the children to give their opinion and choices.

As a parent you have experienced and learned a lot about life through your many ups and downs. You can use this wisdom and life experience to work to help your child. Problem solving and decision making skills help your child choose the right path that moves towards happiness and fulfillment.

Does Encouragement help your child to build his self-esteem

As a parent you must be clear about your role. At all the stages of child’s life parents should consistently offer loving encouragement, support and guidance. This will help in his growth and development. It is vital that you develop your child to his full potential which includes physical, spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual. This factor plays a crucial role in the life of children who are seen to better succeed in college, careers and life endeavors. The bond between the children and parents greatly strengthen when parents take genuine interests in their kids work. The most effective way of helping your child is by not controlling his directions or goals but by offering ideas, inputs and suggestions. 

What is parent’s role in encouragement and recognition?

• Throughout childhood praise your child’s efforts everyday
• Your child imitates your behavior so always live your life in an optimistic, can-do, problem solving way.
• As a parent you must show pride whenever your child makes progress in overcoming obstacles and shows improvement in his behavior. Compliment his efforts.
• Learn to ignore minor failures and setbacks, concentrate to focus on his successes.
• All the events that are significant to your child should be attended by you to extend support to him.
• In every aspect of your child’s life help your child to take note of his progress.
• Develop a positive attitude in your child and adopt words like “I know you can do it”. Always believe in him and show that to him with your words and behavior.

By consistently giving encouragement and positive attention to your child you are building block for effective discipline. The foundation of your loving relationship with him helps in establishing guidelines and setting limits throughout your his life. It is the most important role of the parent to encourage their children to be a whole and complete human being who makes the most of their talents, intelligence and inner strength to live a good and happy life. He is able to shape up his self esteem due to your appreciation and encouragement that are so crucial to your child. When you believe in your child and make him feel that he is important, valuable and capable person soon he will start believing this about himself. Your constant praise helps him to develop his self esteem but it is more developed from your child’s belief in his own competence and worth. 

Stay involved in your child’s daily life and spend quality time with him to understand his strengths and weaknesses. Express your appreciation for your child each and every day and also to others in conversation. If your child has taken on extra responsibility or has accomplished something important praise him and recognize this special occasion with a family celebration. You can cook his favorite dinner or dessert or buy him a gift. Always remember your child needs heartfelt enthusiasm and encouragement from you. Children always want and need their parent’s acceptance and understanding. Your children cannot be good at everything so encourage them to explore their interests and let them do their best. It is the responsibility of the parents to offer them encouragement and support especially when their performance falls short. A powerful team is formed when the parents align themselves with the hope and dreams of their children. These kids are likely to attain their full potential when they are exposed to real life situations. 

Parents should encourage their child to develop positive attitude, learn from the experience and in case of failures should try again. This is how a child matures.

Importance of establishing security and stability in a child’s life

Parenting responsibility is not something that any of us should take it lightly. Infact it is the most difficult undertakings. The manner in which you approach your role and the attitude you adopt makes a great impact on your child. The most critical ingredients your child needs to develop and thrive on are security and stability. You can establish security and stability to your child in simple, everyday ways. The social and emotional development of your child has significant implications for their current and future growth in learning, exploring, blossoming in social, educational and employment success. By your daily actions of nurturing routine you can form a framework of love and commitment which helps the child to grow intellectually. 

Role of parents in providing security and stability to children

• Daily spend some quiet moments with your child. Regularly express your love and commitment to your child during these moments. Keep making amendments in the way you show your love as your child passes through each milestone.
• By providing daily nurturing, love and affection to the child through the childhood you can create a feeling of solidarity between her and the family and which helps the kids to grow more obedient and respectful.
• Know your child’s interest, maturity and sense of humor and select a book or an article accordingly to read to your child each and every day.  Spend one-on-one time reading to your child.
• Establishing routines play the most crucial role in providing security and stability to your child. Work out routines for morning, after school, meal time and bedtime for your child. These routines should be manageable, orderly and predictable. 

Creating dependable and predictable routine is one of the most important jobs of being a parent.  Not only children but even older kids require predictable routines. The simple acts established in the everyday routine are soothing when the crisis strikes. It conveys an important message that even when things go wrong your love and commitment towards your child will remain. Routines are also important for parents as they know what to expect from their child. By setting routines they can also get some time alone to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is also important to set up a morning routine such that your children can succeed doing things for themselves. This provides a great opportunity to practice independence. Encourage the kids to do for themselves. This approach makes everyone a winner.

Creating a bedtime routine just for your toddler is not important but it is equally important for teenage child. At this age you child is independent to manage his bedtime routine of showering, brushing and reading on her own. But it is still very important to regroup with her for a short time at the end of the day. Invent a routine that the two of you can share and talk about different happenings of the day, with a cup of hot chocolate. This is an excellent way to reconnect with your teenager just before the bedtime. You can see your teenager growing to be more responsible and obedient individual by following this routine. It is very important that you create and maintain a stable routine for your child to have effective results.

From the very first days and weeks of child’s life, she can feel the sense of security from the nurturing of the parents.  Security is the foundation of all that follows for the children. It starts from the very first days of the life and continues on through all of development. Many parents stop showing affection and praising during the early adolescence as they feel that the child does not require it anymore. But it is very important to show the same affection and love even when they grow up. Children always need to know that there is a place of security that they can touch base with all throughout their developmental age.