“Hmm, that sounds like a problem.”
If you hang out around our house long enough, you’ll hear me say that phrase over and over and over again. I’m a big believer in teaching kids to think about each and every situation as a problem they can solve. Sure, they may need some help solving whatever challenge they’re facing — and that’s ok — but I think it’s important that they figure out what they need on their own, then ask for the specific help they need. (That is unless it’s 7:38pm and there’s another wet towel on the floor and dirty socks lining the hallways and a grumbling in my tummy, of course. Then I’ll do just about anything they ask me to in the hopes of getting them in bed.)
This approach? It works for a wide range of things. It can be as simple as looking at the empty glass Big slams on the dinner table and saying, “Hmm, I see your glass is empty. That looks like a problem.” Or as insightful as, “Wow, Pink’s baby doll is on the roof. That looks like a problem.” Or as heartbreaking as, “Yikes, I see you really want to hurt your sister today. That seems like a problem.”
While I sometimes get an eye roll, a frustrated sigh, and even a, “Mom, will you just do it for me?!” now and then, my kids seem to be getting it. Well, Big is at least. Here’s how I know.
The other night he read Brady Needs a Nightlight to us at bedtime. It’s a sweet story about a bat who’s different from the rest because he’s afraid of the dark. As the story progresses, he finds the perfect solution, and is happy — day and night.
After we read it, I asked the boys if they liked it. They both shouted, “Yeah!” Then Big went on, “It’s a really good book because he had a problem and he figured out a way to solve it all by himself.” Yes! Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking! Which is either really cool, or really scary…in this case, I’ll go with cool. This book wasn’t just about being afraid of the dark, it was bigger than that. In a very simple, but important way.
So now, beyond just the usual, “Hmm, that sounds like a problem.” I’ll also have, “What do you think Brady would do?” And goodness knows, this crazy ol’ bat? She could use some help from a creative little one.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment on this post by Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 11:59pm PT to be entered for the chance to win your own copy of Brady Needs a Nightlight by Brian Barlics.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own.Photo Credit: BrianBarlicsAuthor.com
Sounds like a great lesson to learn for my 4 yr old. I’m going to try the…that seems like a problem line!
Brian,
I came across this and had to wish you luck on your new book. Sounds like a great read for my 4 yr old. Hope all is well.
Best, Mary McGuire Hogan
Thanks Mary! If you get a copy, I hope you and your 4 year old LOVE IT!
Enjoy!
Brian
Congratulations, Mary! Random.org chose entry #2, and that’s you. I’ll be in touch via email.
This would be wonderful to win for my kiddo!
This looks like a cute story; I have a three year old that could always use a good book about facing your fears!
This looks like a great book that children of many ages would enjoy. I also like the name of the lead character… 🙂
Sounds like a perfect book for my 5 year old. Adding to my library list in case I don’t win 🙂
For whoever does not win a copy of the book here, I invite you to go over to Goodreads.com and apply for the book giveaway I am hosting over there! I appreciate the support and hope you all enjoy this book and those to come! Thank you Amy for this wonderful feature on your blog!
Brian
This looks like an adorable book. None of my kids are afraid of the light, but they do all enjoy a good night light so they don’t stub their toe running to the bathroom at night. 🙂 The illustrations look great. I hope I win. 🙂
Amy,
I sent my contact info to Brian.
Thanks so much!
Great, Mary. Thank you!