Solution-Focused Thinking

As mothers of adolescents, our children are at that delicate age, caught between being kids and young adults. 

The weight of motherhood becomes heavier when we're trying to guide them through these turbulent years that from their perspective seem riddled with new challenges and problems. 

We can easily fixate on problems with them, or we — from our own growth and higher level thinking can help them to forge a new path: solution-focused thinking.

As humans, our ability to think creatively and rationally is our biggest asset. 

We need to exercise our mind regularly so we can harness it to find clarity in chaos. Instead of worrying about the challenges, let’s focus on cultivating our mindset and our children’s mindset towards solutions.

Renowned author and thought leader Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, 

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." 

This quote perfectly sums up our goal. 

It’s not about what's happening to us; it's about how we perceive and react to it.

The next time your adolescent comes to you with a problem, instead of diving right into it, take a moment. Breathe. Think. 

1. For yourself: Are you going to pick up the problem and address that or are you going to hear this “problem” and help your kid remain solution-focused?
2. For your kid: Consider how you want to respond to them to model a confident mindset capable of adjusting the perspective and seeing the options and solutions vs. the limitations and problems. 

You’re not just a mother, but a problem solver, a guide, and a beacon of hope for your family. Take care of how you think and look at problems — it will have a major impact on your efforts.