Critical thinking means thinking logically, and making correct decisions, distinguishing what is right and wrong by evaluating the information that is available. Dr. Prashant Moralwar, Consultant Pediatrician, gives tips to enhance your child’s critical thinking skills.
Read, read, and read: Reading is the best tool to connect with oneself and with the world out there. The more a kid reads, the more he or she will know about the words, situations, emotions, stories. This will help the brain to capture the required information and help the kid to use the knowledge in later life.
Encourage problem-solving: You need to motivate the kids to solve problems on their own, come up with potential solutions, and help them to understand the situation.
Don’t stop them from asking questions: Many parents get irritated and frustrated when children constantly keep them questioning. But, remember that these questions will help your kids to learn about things and situations. Teach your child to trust information that comes from trustable sources.
Let the kids take some responsibilities at home: You can assign household duties to your children. It can be either arranging the clothes, switching off the lights when not required, or even taking care of their siblings. This will make them think, allow them to handle any problems, and stay committed to the responsibilities. The children will feel happy and rewarded that the parents trust them and that is why they have been given an important duty.
Puzzle-solving: As parents, you will have to spend valuable time with your kids. You will have to play with them at least twice a week. Try to solve puzzles, riddles, or play games that can help the kids to work on their IQ, and learn.