Teaching teens decision-making skills is essential as they transition from childhood to adulthood. During adolescence, teens encounter more complex situations and choices, ranging from academic decisions to social interactions and future career paths. However, they often lack the experience to grasp the long-term consequences of their actions fully. By equipping teens with decision-making strategies, we can help them develop critical thinking skills to assess their options, consider risks, and make informed choices. This process not only fosters independence but also builds confidence as they learn to trust their own judgment, regulating their mental health.
Parents, educators, and mentors are key in guiding teens through this process. Encouraging open discussions about real-life scenarios, using problem-solving models, and helping teens reflect on their experiences can all contribute to stronger decision-making abilities. Creating an environment where teens feel safe to explore different outcomes and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process is important. As teens gain these skills, they become better prepared to face the challenges of adulthood with resilience, responsibility, and a greater sense of self-awareness.
Today’s guest is Lori Reichel, a Health Education Consultant and host of several podcasts for health teachers, including The School Health Educators Podcast and the Puberty Profs podcast.
Watch ” Teaching Teens Decision-Making Skills with Lori Reichel” Here:
Resources Mentioned in “Teaching Teens Decision-Making Skills with Lori Reichel”
EnCompass Game: Navigating Challenges Through Conscious Purpose Order here!
Redirect Negative Thought Reframing Cards: Order here!
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Takeaways from “Teaching Teens Decision-Making Skills with Lori Reichel”
The biggest takeaway from this episode is the POWER model of teaching decision-making.
Power stands for predicament, options, wisdom, engagement, and reflection.
Predicament: Assess the predicament or problem about which you need to make a decision. Gather as much information as you can about it.
Options: Sometimes, we think there are only two options, but Lori encourages and challenges students to seek three or even four. This exercise ensures that they brainstorm and build that skill, too.
Wisdom: Ask what the consequences of each option are. Play out each pathway and guess what the response and result might be. Though these are educated guesses, this is a skill to build as well that can help you choose the right choice for you.
Engagement: Pick and execute an action plan. It’s finally time to take action. This process has given the teen decision-maker time to make an intentional decision rather than a knee-jerk response. It gives them time to be brave if they have to stand against others’ opinions.
Review and revise: Witness the response and revise as needed.
I hope you enjoyed this interview with Lori Reichel about how to teach teens decision-making, whether you are doing it in the class, at home, or in the therapy room.
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