Within reason, allowing our children to figure situations out for themselves is absolutely crucial. Whether it is a little argument in the playground or a lack of knowledge around a given subject.
If we leave children to think about a solution, rather than offering an immediate band-aid solution, we discover that they think outside the box to solve sometimes complex problems.
For example, when a child is struggling to find something in the house, the answer to a particular question or the solution to a problem they are having with a friend. Our natural instinct is to fix the problem and help the child.
But this kind of help will only hinder them later. We must structure our response to allow our children to find he solution themselves.
We need to foster resilience, empathy, strength, determination and perseverance and by allowing our children to discover the answers for themselves we may never have to teach these skills.
Let’s move to building a culture of support rather than help.
Ask questions like;
Where can you find the answer?
Who else could help you?
Is there something you haven’t thought of?
If I wasn’t here what would you do?
Can you solve the problem yourself?
#montessori #primaryschool #pedagogy
