TAKE-HOME STRATEGY

Supporting Problem-Solving with Others at Home

Aerial view of child-sized shoes beside backpack

What It's About

Part of building social skills includes navigating social conflict. 

Early on, your child will need lots of support from you to help them find solutions to problems that arise with peers. They will also rely on adults to help them take the perspective of someone else. Over time, children can learn how their actions affect others, how to voice their feelings, and how to agree on solutions to conflicts.

ACTIVITY CHOICE BOARD

Here are some ways you can support Problem-Solving with Others at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child, based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.

Take a look, and try out your favorites!

Use Solution Cards

Use picture (or written) cards that share possible solutions to a problem, such as take turns, share, or ask nicely. Pose a problem from a book, show, or life and talk about the possible solutions. Then, use the solution cards when real problems occur.

Read Books

As you read books, point out social problems the characters might be facing. Help your child brainstorm solutions with you. For example, “They really wanted a turn. What could they do? I think they could ask nicely.”

Solution Pictures

Ask your child to draw pictures of social problems they have faced. For younger children, show pictures of social problems. Talk about the picture and work with your child to develop a solution.

Write a Story

Write and illustrate a story together. Talk about the characters your child wants to draw/include. Discuss a problem/solution. Ask your child to help you tell the story while you write down the words.

Act it Out!

Using puppets, dolls, or figurines, act out different events and social problems. Work with your child to come up with ways to solve them. For example, “They both wanted to sit here, but there is only one seat. What can they do? Right! They could take turns.”

Watch Together

If your child is already watching a favorite show, look for social problems. Talk about how the characters feel and the solutions they use (or could have used).

Quick Cues for Supporting Problem-Solving with Others

Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s problem-solving skills with others

Talk About Problems and Solutions

Describe real-life problems and solutions or those in books or shows. Use situations your child is not involved in.

This can sound like:

“Dad and I both need the car at the same time. Maybe we should carpool!”

“Grandma and I both want the last cookie. What should we do?” 

“What was their problem on the show? How did they work it out?” 

Reflect the Problem

Describe the problem, or give each child a chance to explain the problem and how they feel. Then, repeat it back to them.

This can sound like:

“Oops, you accidentally bumped into their tower! I see you both look upset that happened.”

“I can see you’re upset. What’s the problem?”

“Okay, so you two are dancing, and both of you really want to pick the song.”

Encourage Them to Do It

Help children come up with solutions they agree upon. You can give suggestions, but if they’re ready, let them lead.

This can sound like:

“Oh no, you both want to use the puppet. Here’s another puppet, could this solve the problem?”

“How do you think you can solve your problem?”

“Would it work to take turns choosing the song? How?” 

Our Book Recommendations for Problem-Solving with Others

Engaging stories that support children as they problem-solve with others
That's (Not) Mine book cover

That's (Not) Mine

Written and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, this story highlights different ways to (not) solve problems with friends in a fun and engaging way.

Have fun with it:

Act out a social problem with your child and find a solution together for your pretend scenario.

A page of the book share and take turns. Young girl playing at table while two other children are nearby.

Share and Take Turns

Written by Cheri J. Meiners, this book provides many opportunities to talk and think about social situations that young children may encounter in the classroom, such as sharing toys or taking turns.

Have fun with it:
Come up with even more solutions that could work for the characters in the book.

More Take-Home Strategies

We’re creating a library of resources like these so families and other caregivers can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!

visit our take-home strategy library