Problem-solving is a life skill. From figuring out how to stack blocks higher to resolving disagreements with friends, children develop these abilities through practice. Play creates safe spaces to experiment, fail, and try again — critical preparation for adapting in a world with AI.
Why start without screens
Hands-on, screen-free play develops persistence, planning, and flexible thinking. Research shows that guided play in real-world contexts helps children strengthen executive functions and reasoning skills.1 Unlike passive screen time, physical play asks kids to actively test, adapt, and solve challenges — a foundation for handling complexity later in life.
Everyday play that builds problem-solving
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Building challenges. Use blocks, cups, or pillows to construct tall towers. Ask, “What will make it stronger?”
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Treasure hunts. Hide toys with step-by-step clues, letting children figure out the sequence to the prize.
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Role-play puzzles. Pretend problems like “the toy train is stuck” give kids space to invent creative fixes.
Each of these scenarios turns frustration into a learning opportunity.
Helping them stay engaged
When your child gets stuck, resist the urge to solve it for them. Instead, offer prompts: “What else could you try?” or “What happens if we move this piece?” These small nudges keep the activity engaging while leaving the ownership of the solution with the child.
Why it matters
Struggles in play teach kids that challenges are not barriers but puzzles. Over time, this mindset builds resilience, confidence, and the ability to handle bigger problems later in life. Problem-solving in childhood becomes problem-solving in adulthood.
The Science
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Fisher, K. R., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Newcombe, N., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2013). Taking shape: Supporting preschoolers’ acquisition of geometric knowledge through guided play. Child Development, 84(6), 1872–1878. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12091