As a parent, we witness our children encounter problems throughout their lifetime. Sometimes the problem is as tiny as a toddler not knowing how to put the puzzle pieces in the right spots and getting frustrated, and sometimes they are bigger problems such as not knowing how to express their feelings to their friends when they just said something mean to them.

When my kids come to me with problems, my mom heart immediately wants to jump out to help them. I want to solve their problems for them, because what mom wants to see their child unhappy. But deep down inside, I know I can’t and shouldn’t solve their problems for them. I know deep down inside that always solving my kid’s problems, really won’t be helping them at all. By allowing our kids the opportunities to problem solve themselves when an issue of appropriate difficulty arises, it will help them develop crucial problem-solving skills, a skill that will serve them for a lifetime. So, what are some ways to help your child learn problem-solving skills? With books, of course.

Reading children’s picture books with your child that encourages problem-solving is a great way to provide children an exceptional opportunity to have shared references to help you as a team through a learning moment when it arises. A great children’s book that helps children learn about sharing feelings and problem-solving is Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon by Angela Castillo.

Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon is about a Unicorn named Isadorn who lives in her magical waterfall grotto very happily until one day, a messy dragon named Dunfer moves into the cave next door. Isadorn does not know what to do because even though she knows she must gather up the courage to tell Dunfer how she feels, she is afraid to hurt his feelings.

This story teaches children social problem solving, the role of teamwork in overcoming obstacles, and how to find your voice. This book also includes tips at the very end to help children learn about healthy boundaries and conflict resolution, including “I” statements suggested by leading child therapists.

I love that this book shows how Isadorn, the Unicorn is determined to face her problem and figure out a solution. This book is an excellent example of how to empower your kids to solve problems in their own lives independently. This book can also help your children build critical thinking, interpersonal, and independent skills, all things they will use in real-life situations.

This book is an excellent addition to our bookshelf, and I highly recommend it for all children who ever felt that they needed help finding their voice. Also, don’t forget to check out my book review on Little Narwhal’s Day by Angela Castillo HERE.