Critical thinking skills are important because they are what help us make sensible decisions and solve problems, by analysing the given information and concluding accordingly. It’s quite a tricky concept for children, particularly when they’re young because they tend to look to their parents to help them with their choices and aid them in overcoming challenging situations. With that said, it would certainly help your child if you encourage the development of critical thinking skills at home, using the following tips from an independent school in Kent.

Let Your Child Fail

As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from any emotional or physical turmoil but sometimes letting them fail is the best way to help them learn. When we fail, we learn what works and what doesn’t work. Help your child understand that failure is an inevitable part of life and nothing to be afraid of – it’s what helps us learn and move forward in a more experienced and educated manner.

Challenge Your Kids

This is important for many children, more so for kids who are very clever and advanced for their age. Parents should let their children try something new and challenging periodically. This helps them develop and improve their abilities, become more creative and resourceful, and even discover new talents and skills. Challenging your kids can be in the form of doing new projects. For example, children who enjoy learning about science can do hands-on STEM building projects to improve their understanding of the subject and exercise their analytical skills and creativity. Create or find tailor-made activities that will challenge their abilities and develop their critical thinking skills.

Encourage Reflection

Following on from letting your child fail, it’s also important to encourage them to reflect. Ask them what they think they did wrong? The same applies when they have behaved badly. Ask them why they acted the way they did and what the consequences will likely be, not only for themselves but for those around them. This will help them start thinking on a deeper level and strengthens their understanding.

Ask Questions

Children are curious beings and will often ask you questions in order to learn how the world works. Return the favour and encourage them to sift through their knowledge by asking lots of questions too. Make sure these are open-ended so that they require more than a one-word answer because this will ensure that your child puts effort into their response. It will inspire them to use their imagination and form opinions. Even if they get the answer wrong, the process will help them develop the ability to think critically about various things.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.