The ability to think critically is what allows us to solve problems and form ideas and opinions, by analysing our existing knowledge and comparing it to newly presented information. By finding ways to support your child with their critical thinking skills, you will help them become better decision makers and they will also become more confident expressing their thoughts. Here are some tips to get you started, provided by a prep school in Worcestershire.
Encourage Independent Decision Making
When assessing our choices, critical thinking is used to help us come to a decision. With that said, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to make their own decisions because they will be able to practise critical thinking. This could be anything from picking out their own outfit, by determining the weather, or deciding what to have for dinner based on everyone’s preferences.
To help them practise reasoning, ask them why they made the choices they did. This will help teach them how to express their thoughts coherently, even if people doubt them or challenge them.
Teach Them How to Solve Problems
Your child will pick up a lot of their behaviour from you, show try and show them how to solve problems in a healthy way. When you come across a challenging situation of your own, talk it through with your child and explain the process of how you have come up with a solution. Have discussions with them where you weigh up different options, so that they learn how to analyse different situations to help them come to a conclusion.
You should also try and play plenty of problem-solving games, like Pictionary or Scrabble, because this will help them build upon their skills.
Encourage Healthy Discussions
No parent wants to raise an argumentative child, but healthy discussions are important for many reasons. If your child is comfortably able to express their opinions, and be challenged by conflicting viewpoints without losing their temper, they will become better critical thinkers and better at communicating.