A couple of weeks ago, all my families had a common assignment.
They were to  build activities requiring a ‘mental challenge.’
The idea was to put the student on the spot for thinking and problem solving.

I found this wonderful image by Dr Steven Gutstein (Founder of RDIConnect) on what constitutes a mental challenge.

Take a look at this amazing image.





What is mental challenge?

 

Image Courtesy- Dr Steven Gutstein (RDI Connect)

 

A mental challenge is an activity that is slightly above the child’s current level of competence and yet it is not totally overwhelming.
It would require the child’s focus and attention and it creates some amount of uncertainty for the child.

I love this image about Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. It explains a challenge well.



The parent or teacher can be the guide that helps the child take on the challenge. The focus is on the yellow part.

I totally identify with view point of parents. We want our children to be ‘happy and independent.’


If our children are to be truly independent, they need to be able to think for themselves.
We live in a constantly changing world. If our children cannot make quick decisions, or go with the flow, they will be at a disadvantage.

You, the parent can create mental challenges- just as these parents have done.

Here are some beautiful video examples of how you can create a challenge for your child.

Nakshatra’s family compiled these video clips to share how she was dealing with different kinds of challenges.

Take a look. This video will help you understand the different kinds of challenges too.

Here is little Atharv working with his mother on a ‘resource challenge.’ Time is the limited resource in this case.

This is one of my favorite videos about interpersonal challenges. Don’t miss the number of children around. This creates a unique challenge!

In this video, Masterchef Vishal creates a delicacy by making decisions for himself.

Can you see how all of this leads to a good quality of life for children?
How can a child be truly independent without these?

Guides (parents and then teachers) are responsible for creating these situations where a child feels challenged and support them through difficult situations, so that children/ adults feel accomplished and competent.
It’s like a positive cycle. Once they feel competent, they will be open to facing new challenges.

Parents have experienced varied benefits by helping their children face mental challenges. Take a look at the benefits experienced.

1. Resilience

Children are able to taken on and stay with challenges for longer periods of time. Resilience is a much needed quality in today’s time and age.
Your child will not be able to accomplish much, if she does not stay on in an activity.

2. Flexibility and adaptability

By building those thinking muscles, your child will become more adaptable.
Little Atharv (video ) told his mother, ‘I’ve become more flexible now.’ That was the cutest thing I heard in a long time.

We have seen him not fixate on the way he wants to do things. He’s happier, goes with the flow and as a result of which he’s more participative with other children.

He’s also not as ‘stuck’ as he used to be in activities and doing them a certain way. He accepts suggestions offered by others.

3. Calmness

When children focus on facing challenges, their resources get focussed on alleviating the problem. The superficial stuff falls away.
Calmness descends. In the week of ‘mental challenges’ my students experienced, I saw a good change in body language and focus.

4. Increased motivation

Here’s an excerpt from a previous article.

‘Once your child understands his role, add ‘just noticeable differences’. Once he feels competent in it, add a ‘challenge’ – a small problem that your child has to solve. Success will lead to him feeling competent. And competence leads to intrinsic motivation.

For example – if you are hanging t-shirts on hangers and if the hangers run out. What will the child do? There may be more than one right answer, but leave it to the child to come up with something appropriate.

You can experience these benefits too.

Once your child is motivated, you won’t be the only one pushing from your side. Both of you will be pushing- together and in the same direction.

Create mental challenges for your child. Don’t get carried away by physical appearances. Behind the exterior, resides a beautiful person- who is extremely capable. It’s upto you to give your child the experience.

Remember: Don’t limit your child by your thinking. The sky is the limit.