First Step in Problem Solving
When you have a problem, what is the first thing you should do before reacting emotionally?
Pause and identify the problem
Be patient, breathe, or wait calmly
You cannot open a jar lid no matter how hard you try. What is a good problem-solving step?
Ask someone for help or use a tool
Before reacting to a stressful situation, what is helpful to do with your thoughts.
Slow down and think it through
Name one coping skill that can help when feeling stressed.
Deep breathing, talking to someone, walking, etc.
breaking the problem into smaller steps
Your plans change unexpectedly. What is one helpful response?
Adjust the plan/find an alternative
If a problem feels too big to solve alone, what is a helpful step?
Ask for help
Reframing/looking at it another way
You are trying to remember someone’s name but your mind goes blank. What is a polite problem-solving strategy?
Ask again politely or introduce yourself again.
Why is it helpful to think of more than one solution when solving a problem?
The first solution may not always be the best one
You sit down to watch your favorite TV show, but someone else already changed the channel. What is the best problem-solving response?
Ask politely, compromise, or watch it later
Name one person someone might ask for help when facing a problem
Friend, family member, therapist, doctor, staff
You spend five minutes looking for your glasses before realizing they are on your head. What problem-solving lesson does this teach?
Slow down and check carefully.
Why is taking a short break sometimes helpful when solving a problem?
It helps clear your mind.
Go back to where you were and retrace your steps
You feel frustrated because something is taking longer than expected. What coping skill could help?
Take a break, breathe, slow down
Why can talking about a problem make it easier to solve?
others may offer ideas or support
If your first solution does not work, what should you do next?
Try another solution.
What is one benefit of staying hopeful during a difficult situation?
It helps motivate you to keep trying.
Evaluate if the solution worked
If something is completely outside your control, what is often the healthiest response?
accept it and focus on what you can control
What is the difference between asking for help and giving up?
asking for help is still working toward a solution
Why is staying calm helpful when solving problems?
It helps you think clearly.
What is one positive thing you can say to yourself when facing a challenge?
“I can handle this,” “I will figure this out.”