Thursday 15 August 2013

Positive Action builder

Positive Action builder
3. Solutions vs blame

Being around kids, know that it is perfectly normal for them to blame someone or something when things are not going their way.

But always tell children who approach me to complain about one thing or another that instead of looking for blame, they should look for solutions. The ability to change a negative into a positive situation is based on a person's attitude towards problem solving.

We need to help children develop their own problem solving skills. Show them that in a problematic situation, they cannot control others or the situation. The only person they can control is themselves and their attitude how they feel, think or act towards their problem.

First, ask them to collect all the information about the problem and state it, sometimes, this is enough for children to realize that what they thought was a problem was really not.

Help your children come up with possible options or solutions. Go though each solution and evaluate if this is realistic and what the possible consequences are if they choose that option. Try a different solutions.

Engage in Problem Solving Process
 Problem
collect information: WHY?s
Generate Multiple Solutions
Evaluate Consequences of Solutions
Decide on Best Solution and Implementation

For example, when your child asks you to buy him a cellular phone and you don have the budget for it, this becomes a real problem for both of you.

To practice solving problems with your child, consider doing the following:
1. Clarify the problem and collect information: Ask him to check different phone models and costs so you can come up with a budget you can both agree on.

2. Generate multiple solutions: Explain to your child that you do not have the extra budget to buy him a phone so he needs to think of ways to raise the money for it. Some kids will save part of their allowance. Other will sell old toys or clothes to raise funds for a new phone.

3. Evaluate consequences of solutions: Consider different option and then evaluate the best one to take.

4. Try out your solutions: Support your child and make sure that he sees his solution through. If it does not work, go to Plan B. Children who are given opportunities to solve problems when they are young become empowered individuals. They will be used to taking possible action. Parents and teachers have tjo realize that good problem solving is a habit that needs to be taught and supported. Children do not figure this out by themselves, but once acquired, it becomes a life skill.

Entrepreneurs face a lot of problems, from start up to product development, marketing, financing and managing people. It is important that we give children the right attitude to hurdle similar challenges.


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