Emotional Intelligence For Kids: Help Them Think For Themselves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just was checking out facebook when this post by Love and Logic caught my eye:

“Take a statement you might make to try to get a kid to think and see if you can turn it into a question.
Example: Instead of “That’s not going to work.” use “How do you think that’s going to work?”
Questions create more thinking.”

I love this quote. I know as a parent that I often think my job is to teach my kids what they need to know. Really, my goal as a parent should be to help them think for themselves.

So I was reflecting on how I can take some of my statements and make them into questions that really help kids think and makes it also easier for them to follow directions.

This is what I came up with:

Instead of:

“You should share your toys.”

Try this:

“When do you think you would be able to share your truck?”

Instead of:

 “Stop eating so quickly!”
Try this:

“Can you think of a healthier way to eat your food?”

Instead of:

“Get your coat on!”

Try this:

“The temperature outside is 40 degrees. What coat do you think would work best?”

Instead of:

“Do your homework now!”

Try this:

“Where is the best place for you to get your homework done?”

I would love to hear your ideas for putting this parenting skill into practice.

Comment below!

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