{"id":312,"date":"2017-10-23T23:21:36","date_gmt":"2017-10-24T05:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/preschool.utahdanceartists.com\/blog\/?p=312"},"modified":"2017-10-23T23:24:23","modified_gmt":"2017-10-24T05:24:23","slug":"teaching-children-to-be-problem-solvers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preschool.utahdanceartists.com\/blog\/teaching-children-to-be-problem-solvers\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Children to Become Problem Solvers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here at<\/span> UDA Creative Arts Preschool,<\/span><\/a> we feel it is paramount to teach our preschoolers how to be problem solvers. \u00a0After all, isn’t life abounding in problems to be solved? \u00a0And when it is time for us to send them on their way, we want them to have the skills they need to confidently tackle the issues they face. \u00a0Here are some of our thoughts on how to help children solve problems, and some ideas you can try at home as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Problems Come In All Shapes and Sizes<\/b><\/p>\n

Every day of life contains a series of “problems” to be solved. \u00a0We are constantly finding solutions for lost keys, stacks of mail, an empty milk carton, a sick child, a low gas tank, a low checking account, an upset employer, traffic…the heart rate goes up just thinking about it!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our adult problems can feel overwhelming at times. \u00a0Although our preschooler’s problems may look simple and obvious to us, it’s important for us to recognize that their problems may feel just as overwhelming to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"solve<\/a><\/p>\n

But not all problems are stressful. \u00a0Learning a new skill, creating something new, and facing new challenges also present the opportunity to solve problems. \u00a0For a preschooler, the process of learning how to come up with a solution, like building this fence for the barn animals, is challenging and, most often, fun!<\/span><\/p>\n

Teach Them How to Express Their Feelings<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Feelings are one of those things preschoolers are learning how to manage. \u00a0Let’s be honest – \u00a0aren’t we all? \u00a0But there are healthy and unhealthy ways to express feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can start by modeling healthy expression of feelings as caregivers. \u00a0Then, another tool to help you teach your preschooler are <\/span>“I statements.”<\/span><\/a> \u00a0Using “I statements” not only helps your child identify what they are feeling, it is a healthy way to communicate those feelings to others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some examples:<\/span><\/p>\n