I want to make focused effort on honing my 17 month old’s problem solving skills. Please advice what kind of activities can I introduce to him for that purpose.
Also what kind of attitude will help me achieve my goal? right now, I try not to interfere when he is trying to put things together or doing something that is irritating him if he is not able to do it, for example putting a lid on a bottle, if he isnt able to do it, he gets irritated. at which point I let him deal with it until he gives up and then I jump in and tell him how to do it. Am I doing it right? or do I need to have a different attitude?
You’re doing it right but also i would say ease up a bit. He’s only 17 months old and these things are not only all new to him, but as you’ll observe, will also start to come naturally to him eventually as he grows, observes and learns about life around him. Try not to have expectations from him- if he figures it out, fantastic, but other times he won’t get it or won’t be in the mood or simply won’t want to and that’s ok too.
in terms of something to try, my kiddo loved the big wooden piece puzzles at his age and is now very proficient at putting puzzles together. Maybe grab a couple of those and PLAY together? Melissa and Doug is a fantastic brand.
As SGC said these skills alongwith others like social skills,communication skills,observational skills etc all come with age and 17 mths seems a lil young.I agree with the less interference bit.My 4 year old still gets frustrated with things when she isn’t able to do something (eg,she wasn’t able to fit some shoes on her doll yesterday and I could hear her getting antsy and mad while being in the kitchen.I did step in after a few minutes and she appreciated the help).At other times when I see she is making an effort and trying to do something,I let her do it unless she comes and asks for it.
Another thing I noticed regarding problem solving or conflict resolution,was that she got a lot better once she started preschool.Being home with parent/s vs. being in a group of kids with different personalities and traits is different imo and latter was a better teaching opportunity.
For a kid your son’s age,huge floor puzzles,block/shape sorting,stacking cups etc should be a good exercise for him to learn.
Thanks ladies, I just got him a wooden puzzle yesterday and it seems he is avoiding it so far .. seems a bit impatient much like me ! he doesnt like it one bit when the puzzle piece wont fit
I guess I have got to give him time with these things ..
Noor was absolutely crazy about her wooden puzzles. I’ve actually shrink-wrapped her favourite ones and put them in storage so she can have them when she decides to start her own family insha-Allah. (Plus I’m a bit sentimental about some of her baby toys and can’t bear to part with them.)
I started her off on some really easy ones…like this:
And when she had figured out that the shape had to fit the cut-out we moved her up to the more typical puzzle styles where she had to complete the picture by fitting the shapes.
I bought my daughetr one of those picture/letter wooden blocks 6 months ago and a letters/numbers puzzles made of a spongy material. she would have nothing to do with it at first…then eventually she started doing the stack ups and hauling them around in buckets etc … and now (6 months later) she plays with them eveyday … knows all the letters and the pictures associated that letter. same with numbers puzzle.
just give him time … as everyone has said. keep expectations age appropriate and tailored to his personality.
Blocks, puzzles, snap lock beads by Fisher Price or anything similar, stacking cups, and the sorting box kept my girls busy. Just introduce him to the toys, engage him by playing with him but let him go at his own pace.
oh dear Muzna , i share the same sentiment. I am keeping his stuff as well, even toys ! cant seem to part with them either and have the same intent that one day In Shaa Allah when he has a family , his kids might enjoy those precious toys
Sounds like your little one is similar to my sister … She is over 14 years my junior and when she was that age we got her the battat shape sorter cube …
she found it so frustrating … I used to help her out by taking the shape and putting it in slowly so she could see what I was doing then take the shape out as soon as I put it in and gave it back to her to try it after me …
He’s probably getting his first set of molars out too so his frustration might be linked to his discomfort as well …
