Parents – Outside Assistance

Understanding Outside Assistance

Odyssey of the Mind is a hands-on program for kids where only the 7 minds of the team can work on the long-term solution. The basic premise is when the team members solve the problem 100% by themselves, they learn to solve challenges within their capabilities, be resourceful and develop a tremendous amount of self-confidence.

While it may be well-meaning, outside assistance subtly tells kids they are not capable of doing it themselves. When the team’s solution is the team’s idea, design, work, performance and score, they are much more likely to develop the critical thinking skills they need to help them be successful now and in the future.

Remember, in the end, the Team is responsible for what they do, not the coach, parents or people outside the team.

Even though you may mean well, providing ideas, making suggestions, even applying make-up and fixing costumes are all considered outside assistance that could cause the team to receive a penalty. As parents, we all want the best for our kids and sometimes that means letting them figure it out on their own so the next time, they will have the confidence to solve it themselves. The kids will figure it out, even if it is not the way adults would do it, more often than not, their ideas are much more creative!

Is It Outside Assistance

LATEST NEWS
  • How are Spontaneous Problems Chosen for Competitions?
    Approximately ⅓ of your final calculated score is based on Spontaneous. Practice, practice, practice…AND…Have fun realizing that on-the-spot creativity can be helped along with advanced prep!
  • Good News! You Can Modify.
    This is when teams are re-evaluating their solutions in light of their experiences at their Qualifying Tournament. And yes, you have the opportunity to make adjustments to your solution given what you learned.
  • Time to Celebrate!
    Congratulations! You and your team did it! As you know by now, just getting your team to the tournament and overcoming all the challenges before, during and after competition is QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!