It is important that your children learn how to think independently. While your children are small, you can make all of their decision for them. However, you will not be able to do this forever. As your children age, they will need to make decisions on their own. Help your child make good decision. Teach them to think independently using the following techniques.
Verbally problem-solve
One of the best ways to teach your children to become independent thinkers is to model good decision making yourself. Talk through the decision making process. Go step by step. Verbally identify a problem and brainstorm ways to solve the problem. Then, put those solutions into action. This will allow your children to see how you work your way through problems.
Discuss everyday problems with them
Include your children in the everyday problem-solving. Let them see how you plan family meals. Show them how you plan the family budget. Discuss it with them. Help them differentiate between wants and needs. Include them in the decision making process as much as possible.
Allow them to make decisions
Allow your children to begin making some decisions on their own. Let them decide what they want for dinner. Allow them to choose what they want to wear some days. By allowing them a say in their own lives, they will learn how to think independently.
Praise decision making
When your children make decisions, praise their efforts even if they make a mistake. This will increase their self-esteem and motivate them to keep trying.
Allow them to make mistakes
Mistakes are a part of the learning process, so don’t panic if your children make a few. But, these mistakes help to teach your children how to think independently. These mistakes allow your children to see the results of their decisions. They also teach them to think of solutions.
Discuss their decisions with them
Discuss decision-making with your child. Talk to them about their choices. Ask them why they made the decisions that they did. This will help you better understand their thought process. Once you have discovered the reason for the decision, you can then offer suggestions about how to make better decisions.
Ask open-ended questions
Ask your children open-ended questions. These questions should not have simple “yes” or “no” answers. They should make them think.
Encourage your children to become independent thinkers. Begin to let them make some decisions on their own. Include them in household decisions. Praise their efforts and be prepared to let them make a few mistakes. These activities will all help your children to become independent thinkers.