Words like persistent, optimistic, open, confident and solution-oriented – that would best define resourcefulness, right? And who wouldn’t want kids like that? This question leaves the parents to answer. If parents get the job right, our kids are all set and nothing more to worry.
Think about the questions below and try to choose which one better describes a resourceful child:
– Is he getting good grades all the time or does your kid know how to manage himself every time he steps on failure?
– Is your kid the happiest and most cheerful looking student in class or is he the one that handles himself very well during emotional setbacks?
– Is your kid a child who uses all devices like gadgets, books, and materials to accomplish a certain task or is he the one who uses creativity and uses whatever materials there are present and makes use of it to solve things right away?
Without any further debate, the latter options obviously define a resourceful child better.
Resourcefulness brings about success, yes that’s true. But psychologists prefer to value the process rather than the product.
Don’t worry if you haven’t started training your kid yet. Here are some helpful tips to help your kids start off on their journey to resourcefulness.
Let Them Play A Lot Especially With Real Things
Play allows your child to learn and explore the world. Even with the gadgets that are mostly available everywhere, your child will still play with that which is tangible and concrete. Let’s say your kid lost his favorite superhero movie. Don’t go rushing rescuing him, looking for another movie replacement. Instead, leave him alone and you might be surprised how he’ll use blankets to wear as a cape and he’ll be running around the house, saving the day as a superhero would!
From time to time, let your child play on his own. Let him imagine things out and let creativity freely manifest. Giving your child a chance to entertain himself teaches him that he is able to manage himself well and that he can handle his own emotions.
Teach Decision Making
Decision making can mean differently for kids across ages, especially for toddlers where offering two options would be helpful. “Someone else is still playing on the jungle gym. Would you like to join them or would you like to play in the sandbox instead first?” This option allows your kid to think outside the box and it jumpstarts his creativity. If he encounters a problem, be there to help him out.
Support Them With Their Struggles
It may be easier if you rescue your little ones but do understand that kids are problem solvers. If they become frustrated, they become more eager to solve a problem and they become an expert as they figure things out on their own.
Once a baby was trying hard to fit a square shape in a circle shape and got frustrated. It would have been easier for the mom to just show her correctly but instead let her child do the solving.
Value Mistakes And Do-Overs
The baby then pounded the block shape and eventually threw the toy out of frustration. The next day, she tried again to fit another shape (triangle) but it still wouldn’t go in. On the third day, finally, she opened the lid and popped the correct block in the correct shape. She finally figured out herself and there she learns.
Challenge Then Raise
Praise has been quite a debate in recent years as some experts say more children who are unable to handle frustration are raised. However, it’s how the praises are being express that count.
Once your child finds a solution creatively and effectively even if it may not be perfect, it pays to provide feedback and acknowledgement. You should praise him for self-reliance and diligence so that he understands he had been resourceful.
You Yourself Should Make Resourcefulness A Habit Of Your Own
Show your kids how you work through solving things with only the given things around you. Kids pick up different problem-solving skills and they can get solutions even just by watching you.
You can also teach through stories as well. Relate to them some stories of resourcefulness in children’s books.
Foster resourcefulness in your children as they grow up. You may also want to add up other parenting advice that would impart lifelong lessons to them.
