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TODAY’S CHILD

• Empathy: If the problem involves others, you can apply the skills of problem- It builds trust, so your child will learn that
your child will learn to be empathetic. There solving to a simple situation like your child they can always come to you for guidance.
are two or more sides to many problematic leaving their toys in a mess. Address the
situations, and by considering how the situation by saying to your child: “Why This approach can also be used in situations
other person thinks or feels – thinking are all your toys lying everywhere? What where your child is misbehaving. Instead
about their perspective or experience – if someone trips over them and hurts of yelling at them and telling them they
your child will gain a heightened sense of themself or accidentally stands on your are naughty, sit them down and start a
understanding, awareness and empathy. toys and breaks them? That will make constructive conversation. Allow them to
you sad, won’t it? Please pack them away think through why they are behaving that
• Consideration: Problem-solving forces so that nothing bad can happen.” You’re way, knowing that it is wrong or unacceptable.
you to think about others and how an dealing with the concepts of action, lack
issue may affect them. of action and consequences, all in a non- Some of these situations may create strong
confrontational manner. emotions – your child may feel scared, sad,
Empower them angry, frustrated or worried. Let them cry
As a parent, your instinct is to solve When a situation arises, talk to your or express their frustration so they get to
problems for your child. It is quicker child calmly and help them to outline the explore how they feel. Once the situation
and easier, but you are not doing them problem. Remember to avoid judgement. is over, help them reflect on their choices
any favours – because they will need to Don’t push hard for an outcome; rather and the outcome and how it made them
acquire and apply the skill of problem- let them rationalise what they may do feel afterwards.
solving all through life, from childhood and guide them gently when they are
to adolescence and on to adulthood. As off track. If they come up with a good Finally, remember that we learn a great
with anything in life, this needs plenty of idea or solution, praise them – this will deal from making mistakes. It is how we
practice in different scenarios. empower them and make them feel proud manage them that matters.
of themselves, knowing they are able to
The question you may now ask is: “How do think of solutions, solve problems or
I teach this in the moment?” think of the effect on others (the empathy
mentioned above).
In an immediate situation, apply the
concepts relating to action, lack of action, Engaging in a constructive conversation
outcomes, or consequences. For example, also creates a safe space for your child.

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