Denise Chrisman
One of
the most useful things one can teach girls and their families is basic
problem- solving skills. Teaching problem solving is an extraordinary
way to empower girls and their families. By learning these skills they
can control some of their stressors and tame some of the chaos they
experience. Professionals often overlook the need to teach them these
skills. Their problems tend to get solved for them. Maybe one feels
like one is doing ones job if problems are solved or maybe it's just
easier. This approach truly needs to be reconsidered. Problem solving
skills are essential if girls are going to succeed.
These are
some basic problem-solving steps.
- Identify the problem. This
may sound simple to us but remember there is usually more than one
problem at a time. We need to teach them to identify exactly what
the problem really is. What obstacle is keeping their need from being
met? Teaching them to be specific is an easy way to do this. Explain
the difference between "having problems with work" and "Not
being able to get to work on time". Being too general does not
allow us to form a good strategy to solve the problem. By being specific,
we can focus on exactly what needs to change. This will take practice.
This step keeps things at a manageable level.
- Brainstorm ideas
to solve the problem. Have
them think of many possible solutions. Think of as many as possible.
Some may seem very unrealistic, that's ok, just keep the ideas coming…
- Consider the outcome and consequences of each approach. This allows them to think before they act. It will also help them
realize some ideas won't work and that there can be more than one
solution to a problem.
- After
reviewing and considering the various possible solutions, choose one and implement it.
- Review the outcome. Did it work? What may have worked better? This step is crucial when
teaching problem solving and when we problem solve ourselves. If we
don't review how will we know if the strategy we choose worked? How
can we learn from our mistakes?
