Parents can develop critical thinking skills in children by encouraging creativity through art projects, playing puzzles and games, asking children to imagine solutions to real-world problems and debating opposing viewpoints. Children think more critically when they feel comfortable reasoning through problems, know there may be more than one correct answer and feel their input is respected.
Reading is important because it builds children’s vocabulary, spelling, communication skills, imagination, concentration and self-esteem, and helps them learn about topics that interest them. Parents can encourage active reading by reading aloud, modelling reading, offering a variety of books and asking children to retell, discuss and summarise what they have read.
Parents can improve a child’s active listening skills by rewarding good listening with praise instead of raising their voice, and by playing listening games such as Simon Says, copycat and repetition games, interactive and add-on stories, audio stories and sound identification. Signs of listening difficulties include struggling with multi-step instructions, often asking for repetition and being easily distracted.
To get children out of holiday mode and ready for exams, re-establish a routine with consistent wake-up and bedtimes, prepare a study area and stationery, and create a realistic study programme together. Discuss which study methods worked before, test their understanding regularly, use weekends for revision notes, set small improvement goals and keep firm, consistent boundaries.
Parents can build a healthy self-image in their child by reminding them they are unique, discouraging comparison with others, giving consistent positive affirmation and helping them recognise and develop their strengths. Help children set realistic goals, turn negative thoughts into positive ones, see criticism as a chance to improve and build confidence through exercise and new challenges.
