• No problem will be solved if the student does not wish it to be solved. The student must be actively involved in the process and accept the options or alternatives as his or her own.
• Students must see that they do have a choice and that the problem can be solved. A distinction between a problem and reality should be made. Some situations in life, such as a death in the family, are not problems but realities. No amount of problem solving will change reality.
• Guide and direct your students through the model in as many situations as appropriate. Do not rescue, do not provide solutions, but do provide alternatives!
• Use the model below for your own problems—it works!

Problem Solving

Think of three good things that happened today, then

• Define the problem.
• Write out all options.
• Evaluate the options.
• Choose one.
• Do it!
• Evaluate the problem/solution.