Think Outside the Box: Problem Free Ways for Problem Solving

When I became a mum, I felt like I got an automatic upgrade of super powers which are exclusive to anyone with a baby. You get super sensitive hearing, patience power ups, smell immunity, and top-notch out-of-the-box problem solving skills.

You basically get the super mum package deal which comes free with your temperamental little bundle of joy.

I particularly like the problem solving skill set that you acquire and that comes in very handy at times when problems pop up unexpectedly.

For example strangers approaching baby with hands full of germs ready to grasp, quick dodge left, right and saved; panicking daddy trying not to throw up while changing a dirty nappy, lift, scoop, wipe and save; and my personal favourite, hot coffee and a crying baby which needs to be put to sleep… well ok I haven’t figured this one out yet!

However with great powers comes great responsibility. We are in charge of teaching our children valuable lessons for their future. But responsibility does not mean not having fun.

Here are 5 fun (and problem-free ways) to help your child earn those problem solving skill badges.

1. Chores

Multitasking at its best. Whenever I have lots of chores to do, the best way to keep my daughter busy is to involve her in whatever corner of the house I’m trying (and hopefully manage) to get in order.

We identify problems such as a never ending pile of laundry, and then we find ways of solving it like hiring someone to do the work (yes I also teach her wishful thinking).

We discuss possibilities of what could happen if you wear dirty clothes or nothing at all. Well some problems do not need a lot of discussion. You have nothing clean to wear so you have to wash your clothes (or buy new ones, but let’s stick to the original plan).

Granted that chores will take longer and you might have to go over the same things twice but it is all worth it in the end.

2. Bits and bobs

This is my way of having a hot coffee at one go without being pestered. It also helps me have quiet time without feeling guilty about plopping my little one in front of the TV for an hour or five, since I know she is getting something out of the activity.

So to have a break I usually bring out the bits and bobs box which is full of (you guessed it!!) bits and bobs which have no place or purpose around the house. Stuff like bottle tops, wine corks (of which we have plenty), detergent cups, used papers, yarn, etc. (at times I feel like adding my husband to this list but that’s another story).

I give my daughter the box and let her build something fun (and complicated if I want to have a few cookies with that coffee) such as a slide for dolls, a rocket ship, a boat, and so on.

This is also a great way to give me time to do some work at home (like writing this article for example).

3. Busy wallets

Busy wallets are lifesavers when you are not in a position to physically interact with your child (or on the toilet).

Our wallet is full of different items ranging from old plastic credit cards, to pieces of yarn (yes yarn is very popular in this household), pictures and a few other things.

She enjoys taking them out and putting them back in, trying to figure out what goes where according to size (or on the floor depending on her mood at the moment).

I also find this particularly useful in the car especially when there is a lot of traffic and people in other cars are starting to laugh at me desperately singing ‘ba ba black sheep’ for the millionth time.

4. Shape boxes

This would be the number one toy I would suggest to all parents who want to work on problem solving skills and relaxing skills at the same time. Ours has been to the beach, the park, the bath and everywhere else around the house.

We work on finding which shapes go where and how we need to turn our shapes in order to fit in the correct slot.

I’ve had a few flung at me when she gets upset at them not fitting but then again my husband had a few of my clothes flung at him because they’re still not fitting after 2 years (so we know where she gets that from).

5. Containers and lids

All the plastic containers, boxes, bottles and jars go into a special box which comes out at least once per day during floor activities. This is usually towards the end of the day when the rest of the house is a complete mess and the only clean area is the carpet.

We take out all the containers first and I hand over the lids one by one until she figures out which goes onto which container.

This box entertains her for a good twenty to thirty minutes (which is just long enough for a quick espresso as well). I sometimes add a few extra lids just to make it a bit more exciting.

 

By the end of each day I usually feel like I’ve created way more problems than I have solved but at least every evening after my daughter has been put to sleep (finally!), and I’m sipping my well-deserved glass of wine, I feel that for the next few years I will be her super hero no matter what.

Who am I kidding, I barely get halfway through my wine nowadays before I’m sleeping as fast as she is.