Fun Preschool Problem Solving Games to Encourage Independence

While we love our babies, and would do anything for them, I think we all understand the importance of encouraging independence to help our kids thrive later in life when bigger problems arise.

I believe that most children adapt and flourish quickly when given the right encouragement and tools to solve problems on their own, and what better way to facilitate this process than with games?

And that’s why I’ve put together a list of fun preschool problem solving games that I’ve personally used in my household for encouraging independence in my preschoolers. Hopefully you’ll find them equally useful!

1. Create a blanket fort

This is one of my favorite things to do with my little one!

Building a blanket fort can prove to be a really fun and interactive learning moment. Just set up a lot of different “building materials” such as blankets, sheets, pillows, and chairs so they are easily accessible and let your child go to work.

The challenging part of this game is for your child to find a way to keep the sheets and blankets up without falling. You’ll be amazed how quickly your child can figure this out when there is a very clear goal in mind.

While you may watch them struggle at first, you need to step back from the situation and allow your child the freedom to momentarily fail. Step in only to offer advice or support.

Try timing them to make it even more competitive, and then reward your kiddo for a job well done with a movie, toys, or snacks they can enjoy while they’re in their cozy fort.

You may even be invited in to join the fun, assuming your butt can fit through the fort opening.

2. Get a kitchen helper

If the opportunity arises, have your little one take part in the lunch packing process.

Lay out the items that need to be packed and try to include containers that vary in size and shape to make it a little more challenging for them. Let your child know that if they pack everything neatly in the lunchbox they will be getting an extra treat in their lunch.

It may take them a little while and, believe me, it can get frustrating to watch them take out the same few things and put them back in, but keep in mind that every time they start over, they’re learning to problem solve through trial and error.

All this independence they’re learning will come in handy when they’re older and you get to sleep in while they pack their own lunch before school.

Celebrate with an extra sweet. One for them. Two for you.

3. Build a gingerbread/cardboard house

I’ve recently learned the challenges of building a gingerbread house as a family activity, but I became pleasantly surprised and inspired by how persistent my kid was in trying to get it right.

I saw him ice it over and over again and try to keep all the pieces upright. Maybe adding icing to the sides will help. Maybe holding one piece at a time. Maybe let it dry longer before connecting it.

Although it’s been a few days and I’m still sweeping up pieces of candy that rolled off the gingerbread house and under our couch, I can honestly say it was such a proud moment for both my kid and I when he got it done.

You can recreate this empowering experience, too!

The easiest option is to purchase gingerbread kits with everything included, but depending on where you live and what time of year it is, that may not be an option.

A simple alternative is using large graham crackers and regular icing.

Another option is making the same shapes out of cardboard and replacing icing with glue. You’ll get a similar experience minus the sugar rush.

4. Race some cars

Use any toy cars that they might have lying around, or buy a few inexpensive ones next time you’re out. For this activity, it really helps to race cars that are the same size and weight to limit variables during racing.

Try racing cars on a soft surface first, like the bed, on grass, or on a carpet/rug. Let it register that cars don’t move very far on a soft surface and cannot be properly raced.

Encourage them to state the problem at hand. Challenge them to find a better racing platform. Their little minds will be put to work and before you know it, they’ll be solving the situation and racing on a smooth, flat surface.

5. Match an outfit

If you’ve ever let your kid pick out their own outfit, I’m willing to bet you have come to a horrified realization that your child is wearing something completely inappropriate for the occasion.

In an effort to prevent a scenario where your kid decides it’s a good idea to wear shorts and a superhero cape in the winter on the way to school, I’ve made up a simple little matching game.

Print out cards (or draw them if you have the talent) containing a minimum of three scenarios.

For example, I’ve kept it simple and chosen a rainy day, a hot summer day with a pool, and soccer practice.

Customize your scenarios to be relevant to your child’s life and activities.

Pull out a few items that they would wear or use for each particular event or day and scramble them around. Have them pair up the appropriate items with the corresponding cards.

Rainboots, rain coat, and an umbrella for a rainy day.

Swim trunks, sandals, and some sunglasses for the pool day.

Uniform, cleats, and water bottle for soccer practice.

Ask questions while they play to propose a problem.

“If it’s raining, would you want to be wearing sandals and let your feet get wet?”

Once they get the hang of it, you can add different scenarios. Your kid will actively tackle the problems at hand and become a problem solving whiz in no time.

And at the very least, this will give them the confidence (and give you the peace of mind) to pick appropriate outfits on their own.

Try some of these fun preschool problem solving activities to encourage independence and build the confidence they need to tackle problems head on!