Problem Solving
What is problem solving?
Problem solving is the set of thinking and doing skills kids use to notice a challenge, think of possible ways to handle it, try a solution, and adjust if it doesn’t work. For very young children it looks like experimenting — dropping a toy to see what happens. For preschoolers and school-age kids it can mean using language to ask for help, trying different ideas, or following steps in order. For teens, problem solving includes planning, weighing options, and managing emotions when things don’t go as planned.
Why it matters
Good problem-solving skills help children feel more able to handle everyday bumps: finishing homework, resolving a disagreement on the playground, getting through a frustrating task, or managing a change in plans. These skills support independence, reduce power struggles, and build resilience — the capacity to try again after setbacks. When children have clear ways to approach problems, caregivers often see fewer meltdowns and more cooperation.
What to expect in therapy or coaching
Assessment: We begin by learning what your child already does well and where they get stuck. That might include watching play, talking with your child, and asking about routines at home and school.
Play-based practice: For young kids, we use games and hands-on activities that naturally invite trial-and-error and choice making. Activities are playful so learning happens without pressure.
Step-by-step teaching: We break down skills into small, teachable steps — noticing the problem, naming options, picking one idea, trying it, and checking what happened. Each step is taught with modeling, prompting, and fading support as your child gets better.
Parent and caregiver coaching: We teach simple scripts and routines you can use at home to support independent problem solving. That includes how to ask open questions, give helpful hints, and set up small practice moments during daily routines.
Real-world practice: Skills are practiced in settings that matter — at mealtimes, during homework, on the playground, or in the classroom. We create goals that fit your family’s priorities and build from small wins.
Gradual increase in challenge: Tasks start easy and get harder as your child masters earlier steps. We celebrate progress and adjust when a strategy isn’t working.
When to consider support
- Your child gives up quickly or avoids challenges they used to try.
- Frequent meltdowns or long-lasting frustration over small problems.
- Trouble following multi-step tasks like getting dressed or finishing homework.
- Difficulty resolving conflicts with peers or siblings.
- You’d like practical tools to coach your child’s independence at home and school.
How we help
- Teach a simple, step-by-step problem-solving routine that children can learn and use.
- Use play, games, and real-life tasks to practice skills in a low-pressure way.
- Coach parents and caregivers in supportive language, prompts, and routines.
- Break tasks into manageable steps and fade support as independence grows.
- Collaborate with teachers or other providers as needed to support skills across settings.
What we won’t do
We won’t promise quick fixes. Learning problem solving takes time and practice, and progress looks different for each child. Our focus is practical skills you and your child can use every day, with clear steps and supportive coaching to help those skills stick.
If you’re curious whether problem-solving support could help your child, a short consultation can clarify goals and next steps.