Problem Solving Tools

problem_solving_tools

Calmer Classrooms and Happier Homes—In 5 Simple Steps

Proven tools for parents, teachers, and school leaders looking for real solutions to everyday challenges with young children.

Tired of feeling helpless when a meltdown erupts, a toy war breaks out, or bedtime becomes another endless negotiation?

You work hard to create a calm, cooperative environment—but some days, it feels out of reach.

Imagine wrapping up your school day or evening with a sense of real progress—a plan that builds trust, reduces conflict, and actually helps children work through their problems, for good.


“I never thought two preschoolers could solve their own bedtime battles…”

That was me, a young parent, exhausted from an hour of up-and-down each night. My husband and I tried everything, from new routines to stern words—nothing worked. Then, after learning a five-step approach to problem solving, we decided to bring our two daughters (ages three and two!) into the process.

To my surprise, they knew exactly why nighttime was chaos. With a little guided problem-solving—yes, even at their age—they found creative solutions: a special red lamp for reading, and music to soothe the youngest. It wasn’t magic, but it was transformative. Peace at bedtime, in our home, and better mornings too.

And I’m telling you—these tools work just as well in classrooms, in the carpool line, and in daily life.


Here’s What You’ll Take Away:

When you join this workshop and grab your toolkit, you get:

  • The 5-Step Problem Solving Guide: Simple, concrete steps any adult (or child!) can follow to resolve conflict and foster cooperation.
  • “Five Whys” Root Cause Method: Go deeper to quickly uncover what’s really driving challenging behaviors—and what to do next.
  • Evidence & Impact Questioning Framework: Defuse tantrums and resistance with questions that guide children toward their own solutions.
  • Real Stories & Scenarios: Learn from examples pulled straight from years of classroom and home use—tools that work even with strong-willed, sensitive, or withdrawn kids.
  • Downloadable, Printable Handouts: Stick the tool guides on your fridge, desk, or teacher’s shelf for instant reminders.
  • Workshop Recording: Review at your own pace.
  • Certificate of Attendance: Great for professional development or your parenting portfolio.
  • Ongoing Support: Weekly follow-up articles with more “Kids Talk” insight to help you integrate the tools step by step.

These Tools Work—At Home and at School

Hundreds of parents and teachers have seen the difference:

  • “Within days, siblings worked things out on their own. For once, I didn’t have to play referee.”
  • “I used the Five Whys after a student meltdown—what I learned changed everything.”
  • “The 5-Step guide helped our entire staff approach conflict with calm and clarity—absolutely invaluable.”

Practical, calm, and rooted in real experience. Every step is designed to equip you with what’s proven to work for families and classrooms like yours.


“Will These Methods Really Work For My Child…?”

Let’s answer your top concerns:

Q: My child never listens—or tunes me out. Will these approaches help?
A: These methods are designed for real-world attention spans and stubborn moments. The steps are short, concrete, and involve the child—so you get more buy-in, less resistance.

Q: Does this work if I’m busy, or if staff are stretched thin?
A: Yes. Most tools take less than five minutes to introduce. You get clear scripts, quick-reference printables, and strategies you can apply on the fly—even in a busy classroom or after a long day.

Q: What about strong personalities or children with big feelings?
A: These techniques build trust and connection over time, especially for kids who push boundaries or withdraw during conflict. Many families share that tantrums and sibling battles became less intense (and less frequent) with steady use.

Q: Will older or younger children “get” these steps?
A: The workshop focuses on ages 3–6, but all tools can be adapted for siblings, classrooms, and different developmental levels—with advice and examples included.


How You’ll Get Started

Register for Instant Access: You’ll receive the complete 5-Step Problem Solving Toolkit, workshop recording, and all handouts right away.

Download and print: Put the guides somewhere handy—your refrigerator, classroom wall, or parent planner.

Watch at your own pace: The workshop recording is available anytime, on any device.

Use the tools right away: Start with your next challenge—morning routines, playground disputes, homework or chores, you name it.

Claim your certificate: Perfect for school documentation or your own sense of accomplishment.


Bring Calm, Clarity, and Trust Back Into Your Day

This isn’t complicated theory, and it’s never about “fixing” kids. It’s about building relationships—using kindness, consistency, and a little patience.

Ready to make everyday problem solving a little easier—for you and your children?


Only $47.00 for lifetime access (e-book and printable, too)

Download instantly—take action today

Questions? Email me anytime—support is includedI


problem_solving_toolsWhat Workshop Participants Are Saying…

  • I am a new Montessori teacher and have now taken a couple of courses with Maren. It’s great to have such a great resource available and she even personally answered my questions!
    Betty Hastings
    Toddler Teacher, Salem Montessori School, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • Maren, I just had to share that after working with our parents on the 5 step-problem solving process, one mother and I got together and used it with her little boy who was having a hard time releasing her each morning to come into class (even though he LOVED it once he was there!)

    Turns out, the little boy was happy to help us with our problem and had a GREAT idea to place a heart-shaped rock on a table where he could pick it up each morning and take it directly to his cubby. We agreed that we would try it and the next morning it went off without even the slightest inkling of an issue!

    The mom and I had to really close our mouths as they were hanging open with surprise…Ever since, this little 3-year-old is happy to walk in sans mommy! Thank you so much!
    Lily Spencer
    Director, Country Life Montessori School, Union Valley, Texas
    http://www.countrylifeschool.com
  • Congratulations for the job well done with your workshops. It’s easy to follow, great quality of videos, clear instructions, clear mp3 recordings, great reading materials and great online support.

    Honestly, the online workshop is amazing because I have no time pressure, no stress of language barrier because I can always paused and replay the video as many times as I like. It’s the best method of learning for a non-native speaker like me.

    I will definitely recommend your workshops to other parents because I simply love it.
    Anna Sta Maria
    Parent and School Leader, Prague, Czech Republic