"Raising A Thinking Preteen"

[JULY 5, 2000]   "Raising A Thinking Preteen: The ‘I Can Problem Solve’ Program For 8 To 12 Year Olds." Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D., Henry Holt, 2000, 254 pages.

"A child who learns to problem solve in her very early years will continue to do so…in this book, I’ll explain how older children, ages 8 through12, can use ICPS skills to meet the array of situations they encounter at school, at home and with their friends." This is the theme behind the new book, "Raising A Thinking Preteen," by Dr. Myrna Shure, a developmental psychologist at MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.

 

 

Dr. Shure’s book on children 8 to 12 years old follows her 1996 best-selling book, "Raising A Thinking Child." In that book she unveiled her "I Can Problem Solve" (ICPS) program for children.

 

 

Her latest book uses the ICPS program to counsel parents who wrestle with the difficult question: How can my child learn to solve problems? Dr. Shure’s book answers this question by going to the heart of the problem-solving dilemma faced by children – namely, "to be able to make good decisions and to resolve conflict, whether the conflict is between peers, or with teachers or parents."

 

 

She describes the skills children should have to be able to solve different problems – skills such as understanding another’s feelings and point of view, understanding motives, finding alternative solutions, considering consequences, and sequenced planning (developing a plan that anticipates obstacles and the time it takes to solve problems). Teaching these skills, according to Dr. Shure, "forms the cornerstone of ‘Raising A Thinking Preteen.’" The book is devoted to nurturing these skills and their importance in the development of children at this age.

 

 

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After a detailed discussion in chapter one of these problem-solving skills, Dr. Shure’s next chapter is devoted to the "Four Styles of Parenting." According to her research, the three most commonly used approaches – power, suggestion or explanation – may not be as effective as the problem-solving approach of the ICPS program. The difference is that "it involves children in the process of thinking about what they’re doing and why…by teaching your child how to make good decisions about problems important to them now, you are helping them prepare for problems that will be important to them later."

The chapter entitled "How Do I Feel? How Do You Feel?" encourages children to open up to different emotions and explore their own feelings with their parents. Teaching children how to listen and why it’s important is the focus of "Is Anybody Listening?", a chapter that emphasizes that it’s equally important for parents to listen to their children. Other chapters discuss alternative solutions to problem solving, learning consequential thinking, and how to adopt and use the ICPS skills.

 

 

The book’s concluding chapters contain a question and answer discussion on the ICPS program and an ICPS quiz on the typical problems faced by 8- to 12-year-old children. A list of references and an index follow the quiz.

Dr. Shure’s ICPS program has met with great success and acclaim in the parenting community, including the Strengthening America’s Families Project. Although her writing style is straightforward and direct, she displays a genuine concern for parents and the children who are approaching these crucial years. As the parent of a preteen herself, she is aware that today’s parent needs sound, reasonable advice that can provide results. By avoiding the trappings of academic theory and instead concentrating on practical advice, Dr. Shure has written a book that is an invaluable resource for parents who have children at this age. "Raising A Thinking Preteen" is highly recommended for parents or guardians of children who are 8 to 12 years of age or approaching that age.

 

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 217-732-8878.

 

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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