Menu
Remember your childhood when every day felt like an adventure? We learned to make lemonade, how to skip a roap, and that time when you found a lost wallet on the sidewalk? You got excited. But then, a voice, gentle yet firm, reminded you about finding things that weren’t yours, about honesty and responsibility. But somewhere along the way, in the midst of technology and instant gratification, something precious seems to have gotten lost: the art of good ol common sense. A study in Pew Research Center, in 2019, found that 74% of Americans believe common sense is declining. Common sense is the ability to make sound and practical decisions. It is not a natural quality; it’s a skill that needs to be developed. Together, we’ll delve into the how-tos and discover the magic that transforms everyday moments into valuable lessons, creating a roadmap for “How to Teach Common Sense to a Child.” With my husband often unavailable due to work commitments, this responsibility falls largely on me. It’s a daily juggling act to ensure that my kids learn the essential life skills they need.
Talking to kids is like planting seeds of common sense in the garden of their minds. As water helps flowers blossom, talking nourishes their understanding of the world. Research suggests that some parents should speak to their kids more. In today’s digital age, gadgets have further become a hurdle in fostering meaningful conversations with kids. It’s like living in a world where kids don’t learn about everyday situations through conversations with adults. We’re sending them into a maze without a map.
I have known so many kids, some of them adults now, who were very smart but couldn’t grow in life just because of the lack of encouragement and a supportive environment at home. It breaks my heart. On the other hand, very simple kids bloomed in different aspects of life only because of the continued praise and encouragement they got from their parents.
If parents don’t cheer their kids on when they attempt new things, like playing throw ball without dropping the ball, it can make them feel unsure about themselves, leading to a fear of failure and hesitance to explore. Parents should praise struggles rather than just results to nurture a sense of competence and resilience in their children.
Richard Carlson’s quote, “Commonsense increases with happiness,” suggests that when we are happy, we are better able to think clearly and make sound decisions. This is because happiness reduces anxiety and makes us more open to new ideas. There is research that supports Carlson’s claim. A study published in ‘Psychological Science’ found that happy people are better at solving problems. This is why creating a joyful environment for our kids is important. It’s not just about their happiness; it’s also about boosting their brainpower. They’re likely to face school & other life challenges with a creative and can-do attitude.
A study in University of California in 2022, found that the average attention span of humans has shrunk from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds. This drop in attention span is due to the increased use of technology. A shorter attention span can make it more difficult for children to focus on tasks & learn new things.
The increased use of mobile phones leads to or lack of focus. Establish healthy mobile usage habits, setting specific times for phone use—balance screen time with outdoor activities, family interactions, and learning experiences.
Children learn more by observing adults than by advice. Demonstrate common sense in daily actions. Read books instead of staring at your phone. While washing the dishes, tell them why we should save water.
Get them involved in outdoor play. Take them camping, on picnic trips, to the beach or hiking. No mobiles, please. Talk about common everyday situations they encounter. Highlight the importance of following rules. When going to the park, explain why it is essential for everyone to have a chance to play on the swing or why it’s essential to wait in queue at the cafeteria. Discuss how to order politely in a restaurant, helping them understand social interactions.
Encourage critical thinking by asking questions that motivate reflection. For example, if they drop or spill something, ask, “Why do you think that happened, and how can we prevent it next time?”
Children learn by doing, so let them tackle simple problems. When they drop something or lose a toy, please encourage them to brainstorm ideas and discuss why it happened and how to avoid this in the future. What they would do if they found a wounded dove in the park?
Explain to the children that safety is like having superhero skills to protect ourselves. Discuss safety rules in the kitchen. Teach them what to do when lost. Discuss the concept of strangers, when to talk to them, and what to do when a stranger comes to the door and you aren’t home. Introduce the idea of good and bad touch. Please encourage them to share any concerns with you or a trusted adult. Turn emergency preparedness into an adventure, teaching them about fire drills, emergency contacts, and basic first aid.
Everyday choices become lessons in common sense. Sharing cookies, prioritizing homework over TV shows – these decisions shape fair, kind, and practical thinking.
Common sense often grows from practice, and errors provide valuable lessons. Encouraging a growth mindset can nurture a positive attitude toward learning from mistakes and build resilience. But it is better to learn from others’ mistakes, one of my professors used to say. Imagine that your child is playing with Legos and accidentally knocks over a tower of blocks. Common sense comes when the child realizes that building the tower too tall might make it unsteady, and a strong base helps prevent it from falling. In another example, let’s say your child forgets their homework at home. The mistake here teaches us to check the backpack before leaving, helping to develop common sense about being organized.
Common sense is like a compass for friendships. Guide children to choose friends who share their values and contribute positively to their lives. Empower them to trust their instincts & resist peers. It’s like building a team of pals who bring out the best in each other.
Books are like fun teachers who can introduce children to positive role models who symbolize common sense, honesty, good judgment, and being kind to others. Some children’s books specifically focus on teaching practical life skills, such as problem-solving, financial literacy, or personal safety. So, books are the trusty mentors that help them grow up to be intelligent and sensible! Many books illustrate the consequences of poor decisions and mistakes. Young readers can learn from these examples, avoiding similar errors in their own lives. Dive into stories together and discuss the lessons learnt.
Teaching common sense to a child through emotional intelligence is a great way to help them steer through the ups and downs of life. Teach them to recognize their own reactions and of those around them. Explain to them to be aware of how their feelings influence their decisions and actions. Self-awareness is their secret weapon for making thoughtful choices. Explain the importance of effective communication & kindness to build strong relationships.
In today’s fast-paced world, some people may need more time to think critically about their decisions. Hurried, thoughtless choices can lead to poor results. Children, too, can face challenges in becoming critical thinkers because some education systems emphasize memorization & rote learning over critical thinking. To develop critical thinking in kids, promote a learning environment encouraging curiosity and questioning.
I let my children solve puzzles. The pieces are all mixed up. To help them become excellent critical thinkers, they have to figure out, on their own, how those puzzle pieces fit together. Things like watching too much TV or playing on a tablet all the time can make it hard to think carefully. To be a better thinker, kids can ask questions when they don’t understand something, for example, Global warming. Or when they read a story, they can ask, “Does that make sense?” When playing with their toys or doing a project, they can use their imagination to find new ways to do something, just like putting your puzzle pieces together differently. This method helps them become an intelligent problem solver and use common sense.
In today’s New Media Age, the bombardment of material can lead to information overload and trouble focusing. Guide children to use social media responsibly, confirm facts, and resist peer pressure. Emphasize the importance of offline activities for concentration and focus, like reading books or doing puzzles. It’s essential to make choices that are right for you, even if they differ from what’s popular.
Many websites are dedicated to educational content. These platforms offer videos, articles, games, quizzes, and interactive lessons that have a variety of topics, including problem-solving, critical thinking, moral lessons and practical life skills. Kids and adults can access these resources to learn how to make sensible decisions in various situations. Parents are crucial in guiding online activities, ensuring children learn about online safety and responsible internet use.
As we wrap up this expedition into nurturing common sense, remember that everyday choices and experiences are part of life’s curriculum. By fostering meaningful conversations, encouragement, safety awareness, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate the digital world, we equip our young explorers to navigate the complexities of their future with resilience and grace. Dear Moms, let the seeds planted today blossom into a garden of wisdom tomorrow. What strategies have worked for you in teaching common sense to your children? Happy cultivating!
