Youth need to learn how to make good decisions. And they need to learn how their decisions worked out –  learn from the consequences.

They will not learn anything if their parent “fixes” their mistakes. Learning only sticks if we have to live with or fix our own mistakes.

Most of the decisions that we make everyday are done in a heartbeat – which shoes to put on, whether to have cereal or toast, read a book or watch TV? This is where children begin learning to make decisions. As decisions become more complex, they can be taught how to make good decisions by following a process:

1.   LOOK
Identify the problem or choice that is faced.

2.   THINK
     • List the choices available in this situation.
     • Gather information about each choice.
     • What are the likely consequences or results of the choice?
     • Can the choice be reversed?

Let kids take the lead on defining the choices, but if they are stuck, ask questions.
      What other possibilities might there be?
      What have other kids in your situation done?
      What else could you try?
      Do you see any other way to handle this?

3.  DECIDE
     • Make a choice
     • Evaluate the choice. Did you get the result you expected?