Learning to think critically is one of the most important skills our children can learn. As they grow into adults, being able to think critically will help them through all areas of their life.

Critical thinking is the objective analysis of facts to form a judgement. It is typically thought of as being rational, problem-solving and performed to a rigorous standard.

You can help foster your child’s critical thinking skills in many ways, including:

PROVIDING PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY 

Through play, children learn so much about the world. What looks like a silly game to adults can be a child using complex thinking to solve problems. Children use creativity and critical thinking as they touch, play and use their whole bodies.

NOT INTERVENING IMMEDIATELY 

If your child is facing a problem or challenge, don’t intervene immediately. Allow them to have some time to think and problem-solve themselves first. Giving children space to solve their problems (or at least try to) can help build on their critical thinking skills.

GIVING YOUR CHILD TIME TO THINK 

Allow your child to have some time to think before they offer an answer or response. It can be difficult to wait but giving your child some additional time can help them have time to think things through without the pressure of time.

ASKING OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS 

Try not to ask questions that only require a yes or no response, or that already have the answer for them. Ask questions to make your child think: what would happen if? What do you think?

There is no one strategy to teach your child how to think critically. However, if you guide them to solve their problems and explore the world around them, you can have a positive impact on their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.