Guided Problem Solving

Step 1: Empathy.
“How sad.”
“I bet that hurts.”

Step 2: Send the “Power Message.”
“What do you think you are going to do?”

Step 3: Offer Choices.
“Would you like to hear what other kids have tried?”
At this point, offer a variety of choices that range from bad to good. It’s usually best to start out with the poor choices.
Each time a choice is offered, go on to step four, forcing the child to state the consequences in his/her own words. This means that you will be going back and forth between steps 3 and 4.

Step 4: Have your child state the consequences.
“And how will that work?”

Step 5: Give permission for your child to either solve the problem or not solve the problem.
“Good luck. I hope it works out.”
Have no fear. If the child is fortunate enough to make a poor choice, he/she may have a double learning lesson.

Adapted from loveandlogic.com