WiseTip: CD-SOL-M0003-I01A

Cognitive Development

Promoting Problem-Solving

Watch, but do not interrupt, when your baby is busy manipulating and exploring toys or other objects.

WHY IT MATTERS

Very young children discover opportunities to problem-solve independently. For example, an infant who accidentally creates noise with a rattle may purposefully make the sound again. If adults refrain from rushing in and rescuing young children when they face minor everyday problems, infants and toddlers develop confidence in their thinking and experimenting abilities to find solutions to problems.

1, 2

Leipzig, J. (1996.) Supporting the development of a scientific mind in infants and toddlers. In The wonder of it : Exploring how the world works, ed. B. Neugebauer. Redmond, WA: Child Care Information Exchange
Segatti, L., Brown-DuPaul, J., & Keyes, T.L. (2003). Using Everyday Materials To Promote Problem Solving in Toddlers. YC Young Children, 58(5), 12-18.

The motivation to continue problem-solving comes from the child's own success, as well as trusted adults' encouragement and reinforcement of the accomplishment. Research shows that young children with trusted caregivers who are sensitive to their needs have more emotional stability and are more likely to investigate their environment.

Honig, A.S. (2002). Secure relationships: Nurturing infant/toddler attachment in early care settings. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Helping a child feel successful in his attempts to solve problems will encourage him to try again and improve in the skill.

Schiller, P., & Willis, C. A. (2008). Using Brain-Based Teaching Strategies to Create Supportive Early Childhood Environments That Address Learning Standards. YC: Young Children, 63(4), 52–55.