Problem Solving Methods for Kids and Families

The following ideas are some of my favorite Problem Solving Models that I have used with many families and schools over the years

Decision-Making Tree

Plan 1:  Use my self-calming methods when strong feelings come up

If:  I use my self-calming methods

Then:  I will be able to calm down and feel better

If:  I am able to calm down and feel better

Then:  I will be able to think more clearly

If:  I can think more clearly

Then:  I will make a better decision and won’t get into trouble

Plan 2:  Don’t use my self-calming methods when strong feelings come up

If:  I don’t use my self-calming methods

Then:  I will feel more and more upset

If:  I feel more and more upset

Then:  I will say or do something that hurts me or someone else in some way

If : I hurt me or someone else in some way

Then:  I will get into trouble or lose a friend, etc.

DECIDE Family-Problem Solving Method

D......................... Describe the problem

E…..................... Express feelings

C.................... Come up with

I..................... Ideas

D......................... Do the solution

E......................... Evaluate your choice and redo if needed

Here's One that works better for Younger Children

Problem-Solving Sheet for Younger Children (up to approx. age 10)

WHEN did the problem occur?

□ morning                               □ afternoon                             □ evening

WHERE were you?

□ my classroom                      □ lunchroom                            □ playground

□ another classroom                □ bathroom                             □ halls

□ art room                              □ office                                   □ my home

□ music room                          □ gym                                     □ daycare

□ in my neighborhood  □ other ____________________________

WHAT happened?

□ Somebody teased me

□ Somebody started fighting with me

□ Somebody told me to do something

□ Somebody did something I didn’t like

□ Somebody touched me somewhere I didn’t like

□ Somebody took something of mine

□ I didn’t show respect to somebody

□ I something wrong

What?______________________

□ I didn’t follow somebody’s directions

□ I had a problem with my schoolwork

□ I was mad about something

What?______________________

WHO was the other person(s)?

□ Another student

□ A teacher

□ A member of my family

□ The bus driver

□ One of my friends

□ Someone in my neighborhood

□ Other ___________________

How angry were you?

□ burning           □ really angry           □ sort of mad        □ mad but ok        □ not mad

What did you do?

□ Hit back

□ Ran away

□ Yelled

□ Cried

□ Broke something

□ Threw something

□ Had a tantrum

□ Tore up my paper

□ Argued with someone

□ Was restrained

□ Walked away calmly

□ Kept on task

□ Talked it out

□ Ignored it

□ Controlled my temper

□ Listened to music

□ Took a time out

□ Took deep breaths

□ Played a game

□ Told a friend

□ Told a teacher

□ Told my parent

□ Told a neighbor

□ Told the bus driver

□ Told another adult

□ Other ____________

How would you say you HANDLED YOURSELF?

     1                         2                       3                      4                         5

Poorly              not so well              okay                 good                   great

List 3 BETTER WAYS to handle the problem:

1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

2.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

3.

What is your PLAN for the next time?