Problem-resolution

The main management policy is problem solving. It is a comprehensive approach to coping with problems and can be a great success. If done correctly, it gives an opportunity for a greater sense of control over a problem. Problem solving techniques are used to deal with problems that occur everyday. So a detailed, methodical tactic is necessary to solve problems. A six-step approach to help solve problems has been suggested. The steps include problem identification and definition, problem evaluation or analysis, generating possible solutions, evaluating the options, selecting the most suitable option, and finally, applying the solution and assessing the results. This essay uses the six-step approach in a typical parenting situation.
It is the joy of every parent to see their children excel in all aspects. However, a problem arises when parents are faced with dilemmas on how to achieve this. For instance, in the second scenario, it would only be typical of me as a responsible parent to get concerned about the school project assigned to my child. The problem, however, is that I am torn between letting my child do his work independently and lending a helping hand considering that the kid has made certain omissions that are otherwise very central to making the project a success. I firmly believe in letting the child gain confidence in his ability to complete a task independently, but then again, I do not want him to have anything short of success.
My problem stems from the recent insight I got from a parenting magazine that emphasized on the need to encourage independence among children and to allow them to gain confidence in their abilities. These views are, however, contrary to how I was raised because I was used to my parents helping me out with my school work. The problem is further complicated by my realization of the efforts a parent to my child's classmate is putting to ensure that his kid’s project is a success. It then hit me that parents adopt different approaches when involving themselves in their children’s work. Looking at the problem, it seems to not only have an impact on my parenting skills but also on the performance of my kid.
Several solutions seem feasible in my situation. One option would be to take a backseat and watch my child do his work and research without any help from me. I could also resort to fully taking over the project like my parents would do with mine. Another approach would be to pledge my moral and fiscal support for the project but avoid active participation in it. Finally, I may decide to get involved in the project actively, not necessarily to do it for my son but to give him valuable insights that would enable him to come up with a masterpiece.
Adopting a zero-involvement policy would prove detrimental to the child's progress as his project would probably be mediocre because he is already leaving out important details and as such, his self-confidence is bound to diminish. On the other hand, taking absolute control over the child's work would curtail his development of independent thinking. Availing moral and financial support would help, but if the child has no idea of how to work through the project, such support would be useless. However, getting involved actively in the project and giving the child valuable insights concerning the subject matter would help him come up with a superior project and at the same time make him value his input.
Of all the available options, my ultimate choice would be to take an active part in helping out the child with the project. This option, unlike the others, offers a longer-lasting solution to the existing problem. At the same time, it is an ideal way of ensuring that the child manages to do a quality job. Through my insights, the child will be able to gain a better and a wider perspective of issues that would help in his future evaluation of situations. Additionally, letting the child have overall control over the project enables him to be self-reliant and makes him develop a sense of self-trust.
To implement my decision, I would declare my interest in the project. I would then proceed to give the child subtle hints on the key areas he should cover and encourage him to feel free to seek clarifications if need be. Together, we would develop an outline or a skeleton upon which, through his extensive research, the child would be in a position to develop the project comprehensively. In so doing, I would have helped equipped my child with the necessary skills to be better at his school work and at the same time, he would be in a position to trust in his efforts and abilities.
Summarily, in as much as we would want to see our children succeed, several problems regarding the suitability of the methods we adopt arise. It is, therefore, imperative that we use a proper problem-solving model such as this six-step approach. In my case, I was faced with the problem of choosing between letting my child develop confidence in his ability to work independently and taking total control over his work. Through the six-step method, however, I was able to come up with a decision that would best suit my interests and my child’s.