Wikipeidia defines common sense as:
‘Sound, practical judgment concerning everyday matters, or a basic ability to perceive, understand, and judge in a manner that is shared by (i.e. common to) nearly all people’
I agree with that definition but I don’t think everyone has common sense. Many adults and children don’t think things through and then they get stuck. They don’t know how to approach the situation they’re in or find the easiest, most practical solution or action. Is this because of a lack of problem-solving skills or an inability to think rationally or instinctively? Whatever the reason, common sense is needed by everyone. But can it be learnt? I think it can.
How To Use Common Sense
Help your child by looking at different scenarios where they might need help. You can do this by:
1. Talking through situations and explaining how they should behave. They may be missing cues or misunderstanding what they should be doing.
2. Talk about what happens when things go wrong and how to redeem them/solve them/make things right again/fix them. This could be anything from listening better, apologising, changing behaviours, getting stuck into a chore or sharing something. It will depend on the situation.
3. Getting children to be more reflective. Try to see the bigger picture of situations, practical ways they can help, and others’ points of view.
4. Help them to be more observant of their surroundings. For example, common sense dictates not playing ball games indoors and a whole host of other situations. Encourage them to think before taking action.
5. Allow children to make their own choices by trusting their instinct. We want to encourage common sense and to think for themselves – not think for them.
I believe these 5 tools will help your child grow into the young person you want them to be. Having common sense will help them make good decisions in life, have good relationships, and be safer.
Leave a comment and let me know how you get on with these tips!
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