Ponder Thought

I am pondering thought.

1. I spend a significant amount of time processing with my children. After a mistake has been made, we talk about alternatives to the misbehavior as well as possible outcomes if Mommy hadn’t stepped in. I try to talk the children through the decisions that they might make in different situations in an effort to think things through before hand. We talk about good choices that they have made, too. I try to emphasize what the right choice was and why.

2. I answer millions of questions all day long. Children are naturally curious and will ask questions as long as you answer them. I take the time when it is feasible to explain things. For example, we have discussed a very elementary version of digestion. We also talk about how and why the leaves change color. I try to give the kids concrete analogies, too. When we talk about what tree roots are for, I explain that the roots work kind of like straws and pull the plants food up into the tree.

3. I help the children work through their disagreements. Usually there is a miscommunication between the kids when there is an argument. One thinks the other took a toy on purpose when in reality they toy was laying on the floor and it looked like no one was using it. I try to get the kids to talk through the disagreement and resolve it. We talk about different ways to handle the problem in the future. They apologize and hug each other.

4. When I ask a question, I encourage my children to take advantage of think time. Many times they need a moment to process the question and retrieve the answer. You might be surprised to find that your children can answer your questions more effectively if they have more time to mull it over.

I am grateful that I have the time to spend on thinking skills. Ponder how you are addressing thinking with your children.

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