In Order For Children To Be Able To Adapt To The Future, Parents Need To Prepare These 9 Things

Illustration of things that need to be prepared by parents so that skilled children adapt to the future (Freepik/rawpixel.com)

YOGYAKARTA Children grow up in a world that is very fast to develop. So it is important for skilled children to adapt to the future. So that children can keep up with the times, then prepare them with the following learning.

This is related to a flexible way of thinking. When one day you have to think fast and relevant, the children are ready to do that. Cognitive flexibility is the core component of the executive function that allows one to change their way of thinking in responding to the new environment.

How to encourage children to be skilled in cognitive flexibility, first, by teaching skills by modeling how you adapt to new technology. Second, challenge your child's assumptions by making questions about his experience using new technology. Third, respect problem solving rather than memorizing to find solutions.

Metacognition, reported by Psychology Today, Friday, March 7, involves reflection of one's own thoughts. Developed technology is open to likely affecting children's decisions in their future. So children need to be encouraged to develop high-level reasoning skills.

How to encourage learning this skill, by introducing children to coding through Python-based tools, badminton, Tynker. The second way according to the advice of psychology professor Jessica Koehler, Ph.D., is to discuss how artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence/AI) affects everyday life. And teach children to question how Google's search engine works, for example.

Although technology is developing with great growth, they do not have human-like creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Affected to think divergently, according to JP Guilford involves making several solutions to a problem, not the right answer. Well, in order for children to have this skill, parents need to support their children to actively tell stories and express their artistic side. It is also important to encourage children to solve problems creatively, for example with music or Lego's distinction. It is also necessary to introduce ideas to design that emphasize freedom of opinion.

Artificial intelligence in technology, lacks emotional intelligence, leadership, and teamwork. This skill is important to teach children so that they are successful in their work in the future. Emotional intelligence can be taught by emphasizing self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

The number of misinformations is important to respond critically. It then encourages children to have critical thinking, teach children to have media literacy. For example, by evaluating sources of information, being open to arguments and taking perspectives, as well as discussing news, advertisements, and social media content.

Children need to be taught that the challenge opens up opportunities for the development of their mindset. That way, children are better able to adapt and strive for things to be persistent. How to encourage this skill, by praising their efforts than the outcome. Teach that failure is a learning experience. As well as encourage children to get out of their comfort zone and enjoy learning something new.

Many future careers involve entrepreneurship, freelance work, and independently empowered. Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory states that people who believe in their ability to succeed are more likely to take the initiative and survive through challenges. How to encourage this skill, by teaching money management. Such as saving, investing, and making budget plans. Also introduce entrepreneurial thinking and helping children develop resilience.

Technology raises ethical issues, ranging from violating privacy to information bias. Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development explains how children develop from basic morality that is driven by rules to higher levels of ethical reasoning. How to encourage children to be fluent in this skill, first, discuss ethics related to technology. Or about who should be responsible if making mistakes. Teach digital citizenship as well as responsible online behavior.

Technology forms industry. Because of that it is important for children to learn their whole life independently, without having to be caught up in the industry. Learning this skill, related to autonomy, competence, and relationships with other people. So it is important for parents to be open to their children's choices to learn what they are interested in. It is also important to learn to use online resources and explore their curiosity.

That is what parents must prepare for skilled children to adapt to the future. Koehler's message, the future belongs to them - children - and is flexible. They need to have motivation, emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and always grow in line with the times.