Learning Skills Instead of Solving Problems.
Kids’ Skills is a practical and playful Solution-Focused method developed by Finnish psychiatrist and psychotherapist Ben Furman. The approach helps children overcome difficulties by transforming problems into skills that can be learned and developed.
Rather than concentrating on what is wrong, Kids’ Skills focuses on strengths, motivation, cooperation and small achievable steps toward positive change. This respectful and encouraging way of working helps children build confidence while actively involving parents, teachers and other supportive people around them.
At Solutions Centre, Kids’ Skills is integrated into training programs and professional learning environments for practitioners working with children, families, schools and youth support services.
What is Kids’ Skills?
A Practical and Positive Solution-Focused Method
Kids’ Skills was developed as a child-friendly and Solution-Focused approach for supporting behavioural, emotional and social development in children and young people. The method is built around a simple but powerful idea: children are often more motivated when they are invited to learn a new skill instead of being told they have a problem.
This positive shift in perspective creates a more constructive and hopeful atmosphere for both children and the adults supporting them. By focusing on possibilities, cooperation and progress, Kids’ Skills encourages children to become active participants in their own development.
The method is widely appreciated because it combines practical structure with creativity, humour and encouragement. Children are invited to explore goals, choose supportive people around them and celebrate progress along the way.
Kids’ Skills can be applied in many professional settings, including:
Developed by Ben Furman.
An Internationally Recognised Solution-Focused Approach
Kids’ Skills was developed by Ben Furman, a Finnish psychiatrist, psychotherapist and internationally recognised trainer within the Solution-Focused field. His work has influenced professionals around the world and has contributed significantly to the development of practical and accessible Solution-Focused methodologies.
In addition to Kids’ Skills, Ben Furman is also known for approaches such as Mission Possible and Re-Teaming. His methods are recognised for their practical applicability, positive perspective and collaborative style.
The philosophy behind Kids’ Skills fits naturally within the broader Solution-Focused approach by emphasising:
This mindset helps create supportive conversations that encourage confidence, resilience and engagement.
How Kids’ Skills Works.
Small Steps Toward Positive Change
One of the strengths of Kids’ Skills is its practical and easy-to-understand structure. The method guides children step by step through a process of identifying a skill they would like to learn and discovering how others can support them in this process.
The approach often includes elements such as:
Because the process is collaborative and engaging, children often experience greater ownership and motivation throughout the learning journey.
The playful and positive nature of the method also makes it highly accessible for use within schools, families and multidisciplinary support environments.
Supporting Children Through Cooperation.
Working Together Around the Child
Kids’ Skills encourages cooperation between children, parents, teachers and professionals. Instead of positioning adults as problem-solvers, the method invites everyone involved to become supportive partners in the child’s development process.
This collaborative approach helps create a positive environment in which children feel supported, understood and encouraged. It also strengthens communication between the people surrounding the child and creates more shared direction and consistency.
At Solutions Centre, we believe that this respectful and strengths-based way of working contributes not only to behavioural change, but also to confidence, resilience and healthier relationships.
The method is especially valuable because it can often be integrated naturally into everyday conversations and practical situations.
Skills at Solutions Centre.
At Solutions Centre, Kids’ Skills is explored within training programs, workshops and professional development activities focused on Solution-Focused communication and child-centered support.
Participants learn how to apply the method in practical situations while developing greater awareness of constructive dialogue, cooperation and motivation. Training sessions combine theory with hands-on exercises, reflection and real-life examples from professional practice.
Interested in Learning More About Kids’ Skills?
Would you like to receive additional information about Kids’ Skills, related training programs or workshops?
Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you explore how this positive and Solution-Focused method can support communication, cooperation and child-centered development within your own professional environment.
For more information you can contact us using the contact form below, send us an email or reach out by phone.
