Chalkboard to Kitchen Table

Episode 88: Raising Kids Who Can Handle Real Life - Part 3: Teaching Kids to Problem Solve Without Google!

Season 2 Episode 88

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 23:35

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Chalkboard to Kitchen Table with Trish and Eileen!

In Part 3 of our series on raising kids who can handle real life, we talk about how to teach kids to solve problems without immediately turning to Google. In a world of instant answers, it’s easy for kids to skip the thinking process but real life often requires them to slow down and figure things out.

We share practical ways parents can encourage problem-solving. For example, if a child asks where they left their soccer cleats, instead of finding them yourself, ask questions like, “Where did you last have them?” or “What places should we check first?” The same approach works with homework ... help them think through the first step instead of jumping in with the answer.

We also talk about everyday situations like handling conflicts with friends, managing allowance money, or dealing with forgotten school items. These are opportunities to guide kids to think through options and make decisions.

The goal isn’t to avoid technology, but to help kids learn to think before they search - building confidence, independence, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Join us at the table! 

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.