Raising Kids Who Are Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers

This article was originally posted on April 19, 2017 by Ariadne Brill at Positive Parenting Connection.

Not too long ago, I was walking and juggling overflowing baskets of laundry, when my seven year old said: “Mom. I made a mistake”. As the word mistake echoed around the two of us, I stopped walking. I looked at my son, noticing his face scrunched up in concentration. Curious about this mistake I sat down with him.

Shoulder to shoulder with my son I said  “I’m listening.”

“Well, I’m still thinking.” He replied.

In that moment, I so wanted to spring up and tackle the never ending laundry. But I stopped my own hurry and said “Ok. I’ll keep you company while you think.” And then I waited.

I waited because I hoped that with some time and patience, my son would figure out what to do about this mistake he was still thinking about.

Time and patience are two tools for teaching responsibility

that we parents often forget to use. 

Related reading

Raising Problem Solvers The One Question to Ask Before Helping Your Child By Alissa Marquess @Creative with Kids

Eight Ways to Deal with Anger as a Parent by Kristina B. @Toddler Approved

How To Be an Empathetic Parent, Even When it Feels Hard by Andrea Nair

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ariadne Brill

Ariadne is a happy and busy mama to three children. She practices peaceful, playful, responsive parenting and is passionate about all things parenting and chocolate. Ariadne has a B.S. in Communication, is a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator, and has completed several graduate courses in child development, psychology and family counseling. She lives on top of a beautiful mountain with her family, one cuddly dog and "bluey" the fish.