How to Guide Your Child Towards Solving Their Problems

Have you ever wondered how some children seem to be able to work through problems easily and others really struggle. You can teach your child towards solving their problems in five steps.

Things You'll Need

• Children (one will do)
• Parent(s)
• Love
• Patience

Instructions

1. Empathy ~ Show them you are sorry this problem is facing them. "How sad", "I bet that hurt", "What a bummer", "Gee that's terrible.", "Wow, what a mess."

2. Send them the "Power Message" ~ "What do you think you are going to do about it?" Let me know what you come up with. I really care.", How are you going to handle it?" (Be sincere)

3. Offer choices ~ Offer good and bad choices but start with some bad choices. After each choice, go to the next step ~ let them tell you the consequence if they make this choice. A bad choice might be throw their toys away so there's no mess anymore. A good choice would be put the toys in special containers where they belong so he/she will have them next time they want to play.

4. Have the child state the consequence ~ Ask them how this would work. If they don't do their chore until after supper what would that mean. They would have to do their chore during TV time.

Tips & Warnings

• Always handle children with love and respect.

• NEVER use sarcasm when teaching or training children.

Resources

• Love and Logic
• How To Tell What Type of Parent You Are