Raising Children Network teens
Behaviour | Suitable for 9-18 years
Problem-solving with teenagers
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As children become teenagers, they’ll come across problems they need to sort out themselves. You won’t always be there to give your child advice, but you can help him develop problem-solving skills and strategies that he can use on his own.
Why problem-solving skills are important
Problem-solving: six steps
When conflict is the problem
Why problem-solving skills are important
Everybody needs to solve problems every day. But we’re not born with the skills we need to do this – we have to develop them.
When solving problems, it’s good to be able to:
listen and think calmly
consider options and respect other people’s opinions and needs
find constructive solutions, and sometimes work towards compromises.
These abilities are highly valued in both social and work situations – they’re skills for life.
When teenagers learn skills and strategies for problem-solving and sorting out conflicts by themselves, they feel better about themselves. They’re more independent and better placed to make good decisions on their own.
Problem-solving: six steps
Often you can solve problems by talking and compromising.
The following six steps for problem-solving are useful when you can’t find a solution. You can use them to work on most problems – both yours and your child’s.
You might like to download and use our problem-solving worksheet (PDF: 121kb) – it can help you come up with a solution together by guiding you through the process step by step.
When you’re working on a problem with your child, it’s a good idea to do it when everyone is calm and can think clearly – this way, your child will be more likely to want to find a solution. Arrange a time when you won’t be interrupted, and thank your child for joining in to solve the problem.
1. Identify the problem
The first step in problem-solving is working out exactly what the problem is. Then put it into words that make it solvable. For example:
‘You’ve been using other people’s things a lot without asking first.’
‘I noticed that the last two Saturdays when you went out, you didn’t call us to let us know where you were.’
Focus on the issue, not on the emotion or the person. For example, try to avoid saying things like, ‘Why don’t you remember to call when you’re late? Don’t you care enough to let me know?’ Your child could feel attacked and get defensive, or feel frustrated because she doesn’t know how to fix the problem.
You can also head off defensiveness in your child by being reassuring. Perhaps say something like, ‘It’s important that you go out with your friends. We just need to find a way for you to go out and for us to feel you’re safe. I know we’ll be able to sort it out together’.
2. Think about why it’s a problem
Help your child describe what’s causing the problem and where it’s coming from. It might help to consider the answers to questions like these:
Why is this so important to you?
Why do you need this?
What do you think might happen?
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
What’s upsetting you?
Try to listen without arguing or debating – this is your chance to really hear what’s going on with your child. Encourage him to use statements such as ‘I need … I want … I feel …’, and try using these phrases yourself. Be open about the reasons for your concerns.
3. Brainstorm possible solutions
Make a list of all the possible ways you could solve the problem. You’re looking for a range of possibilities, both sensible and not so sensible. Try to avoid judging or debating these yet.
If your child has trouble coming up with some, start her off with some suggestions of your own. You could set the tone by making a crazy suggestion first – funny or extreme solutions can end up provoking a more serious or feasible option. Try to come up with at least eight possible solutions together.