Here's What To Do
1
Tell your child you're going to play "What's the Problem?"
2
Act out some problems. Make up your own ideas, or try these:
- Put water in a bowl, then try to sip it with a fork.
- Try to open a can with a spoon.
- Try to put your sock on upside down.
- Try to put your child's shoe on your foot.
3
Encourage your child to tell you what the problem is.
4
Ask your child to help fix your problem.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Hold your child's hands and take a slow breath together.
E
Engage:
- "We're going to play 'What's the Problem?' I'm going to try to do something, but there will be a problem! Use your words to tell me what the problem is."
- "Okay, I'm going to open this can with this spoon…. Hmmm… What's the problem? How can you fix it?"
E
Encourage:
- Encourage your child to "use your words" to describe the problem, instead of only showing you the solution.
- "Hmmm, what is the problem with this shoe? Does it fit on my foot? Is it too big, or too small?"
R
Reflect:
- Was your child able to figure out an appropriate solution to the problem?
Not quite ready?
Give your child a few choices for the solution, and see if they can pick one that works.
Ready for more?
Give your child an everyday object like a fork or cup. Ask them to think of another way to use the object (besides its intended use).
As your child masters this skill...
They will come up with a way to solve a problem.