Metacognition, what does this big word mean?

We have all had days where we have various emotions. Emotions are what makes us human!

When we say “I get nervous on stage” this is us identifying and recognizing how we feel and think. This is the first step!

Metacognition is thinking deeper, asking ourselves

Why am I nervous?

What makes me nervous?

Is there a solution?

The thought process that follows our analysis of why we think and how we behave in essence is Metacognition. 

Metacognition promotes resilience. Resilience is what makes us never give up, chase our dreams, and live happier lives.

Training our brain to think about how we learn, adapt, interact and handle setbacks is a very powerful tool.

Research shows that using and learning metacognitive strategies help foster resilience, self-esteem and confidence because we can turn obstacles to pillars of success, which in turn empowers us.

How to foster Metacognition in your child?

How do we train our brain to ask questions to promote learning, analyzing, resilience and problem solving? There are several ways to do that.

Ask questions that will promote one to share thoughts vs. a one-word answer

We all ask our kids:

“How was school today?”  

What answers do we hear?

Usually, one-word answers such as fine, ok, normal etc.

Instead, ask:

"Tell be about what you liked about school today? "

"Can you tell me more about why you think that?"

Kids need to be educated on ways to manage their feelings

This can be achieved when we train them to think more about an outcome instead of blaming someone else for how they feel or an incident.

Asking them to think about their behavior can help them learn to manage difficult situations and set a pathway for problem solving.

Why do you think you got so angry when your friend Joey played with another friend today?

Problem solving

Encourage your child to think of how things would have been different if the same situation happened again?

What would you do or say differently? 

Is there anything you could have done to avoid the outcome?

By asking questions, you are encouraging your child to see that things take time. Nothing happens overnight.

How do you think your relationship with Mindy will change after you share your toys with her? 

How do you think the science project will look like once you have finished? 

What are the things and steps needed to complete the assignment?

Fostering metacognitive strategies to daily interactions helps children feel more grounded, clarify doubts, manage any anxieties, get along better with others and manage stress better. 

These techniques will not only help your child be confident and resilient but happier in life.

Dhanya Bhat

Student Support Services Director