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"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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top of second column)
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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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