Why Some Kids Struggle to “Think It Through” — And How Schools Can Fix It

If you’ve ever heard that line from a student—or your child—you’re not alone. In classrooms across the country, kids are throwing up their hands at the first sign of a tricky problem. But what if the real issue isn’t math skills… It’s thinking skills?

A new global review of research in Frontiers in Psychology reveals a surprising insight: analytical thinking—the ability to break problems into parts, make sense of patterns, and draw reasoned conclusions—isn’t just a “nice to have” skill. It’s a must-have for academic success and mental well-being, especially in today’s overwhelming world of screen time, fast answers, and burnout.

And here’s the kicker: most schools still aren’t teaching it.

What Is Analytical Thinking—And Why Does It Matter?

Think of analytical thinking as your brain’s version of a Swiss Army knife. It helps kids tackle complex problems, evaluate information, and—crucially—regulate their emotions when the going gets tough. It’s not about being “smart.” It’s about knowing how to think, not just what to think.

In the review by Wang, Mohd Matore, and Rosli (2025), analytical thinking is shown to be foundational for everything from decoding math equations to navigating peer pressure. It’s what helps a child stop, breathe, and figure things out—instead of shutting down.

🧩 “When students learn to analyze problems deeply,” the researchers note, “they’re also learning how to stay calm, curious, and confident when facing life’s challenges.”

That’s not just academic fluff. Kids who can break problems into parts are more resilient. They’re less likely to catastrophize, more able to delay gratification, and better equipped to handle frustration. In other words, analytical thinking is mental health armor.

What the Research Shows: A Global Perspective

The study reviewed 21 research articles across nine countries, from Indonesia to the U.S. The findings were clear:

• 📈 Interest in analytical thinking has exploded since 2020—likely due to COVID-era education struggles and the need for deeper cognitive and emotional tools.
• 🌍 Indonesia leads the way, with multiple studies showing how open-ended, real-world math problems boosted students’ ability to reason and persist through difficulty.
• 📚 Problem-based learning (PBL) works. When kids are taught to think their way through open-ended tasks—not just memorize formulas—they become more confident and capable thinkers.

Why This Matters for Mental Health

Here’s where things get urgent. Children today are facing unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and attention struggles. One underappreciated reason? Many kids simply aren’t taught how to think through problems, and they grow up believing that if something feels hard, it means they’re bad at it.

This creates a toxic mindset: “I failed = I’m a failure.”

But when schools intentionally teach analytical thinking—especially in subjects like math—kids learn something different:

“I don’t get it yet. But I can figure it out.”

That’s not just good pedagogy. That’s a mental health intervention.

From Research to Reality: What Parents and Educators Can Do

You don’t need to wait for a curriculum overhaul to start building analytical thinking. Try these simple shifts:

For Educators:

• Swap drills for real-world tasks: Instead of worksheets, use open-ended problems that require explanation and decision-making.
• Model your thinking: Talk out loud as you solve problems. Show students how you break things down.
• Praise the process: Celebrate effort, strategy, and revision, not just correct answers.

For Parents:

• Ask “Why do you think that?” Help your child explain their reasoning, even when they’re wrong.
• Play logic games together: Sudoku, riddles, and puzzles sharpen analytical thinking in fun ways.
• Normalize struggle: Remind your child that confusion is part of learning, not a sign of failure.

Big Picture: Schools Shape Resilience

Schools aren’t just places where kids learn facts. They’re where kids learn how to think, how to cope, and who they are in the face of a challenge.

When educators center analytical thinking—not rote answers—they give students more than academic skills. They give them tools for life: grit, confidence, and the courage to face uncertainty without fear.

And isn’t that exactly what kids need most right now?

Let’s Talk About It

This research raises urgent questions that deserve real conversation—in staff rooms, at PTA meetings, and around dinner tables:

• What’s the biggest mental health challenge you see in schools today?
• How can schools better support students’ emotional well-being through the way they teach?
• What’s one moment that changed how you think about your child’s or student’s problem-solving?