Solving Problems

Human Growth & DevelopmentChapter 4 Section 2

Using the Problem Solving ProcessWhen faced with important issues, it helps to follow the problem, solving processTips to use problem solving process effectively

Doesn’t have to be followed in sequential orderEvaluate your resourcesIdentify the consequences, or results, of an action (think long term as well)Remember to think about the consequence for people other than yourselfChoose an alternative that works with your valuesAsk yourself basic questions when evaluating how you solve problemsEvaluate results to help improve your problem solving skills

The Problem Solving Process

1. Recognize the problem2. Gather and evaluate information about the

problem3. Consider alternatives and their consequences4. Choose the best alternative5. Plan a course of action and act6. Evaluate the action and how you choose it

Making Responsible Decisions About Sexuality

Problem solving process can help you with difficult decisions such as sexualityChoosing to be sexually active affects more than just the two teens involvedIt can be helpful to discuss decisions with other people

Predicting Consequences

When you consider the consequences of sexual activity, think about the information in the previous section and the video we watchedThink about the emotional impactHow will you feel about yourself afterIt is important to be hard-headed and clear-eyed when thinking about consequences

Deciding to Abstain

“It can’t happen to me”The threat of STDs are VERY realThere is only one guaranteed way to avoid consequences and that is by abstainingIt is not reasonable to expect someone to make the decision to abstain in a moment of passion

Make the decision ahead of timeOnce you have made the decision, stick to it

When Pregnancy Occurs

Sometimes teens get pregnantOften teens have trouble believing and acknowledging the symptoms of pregnancyTeens who are sexually active need to be aware of the symptoms of pregnancyIf you or someone you know suspect pregnancy, talk to someoneOnce pregnancy has been confirmed, a teen can begin to decide what to do

Weighing Options

Single ParenthoodMarriageAdoption

Single Parenthood

It can be rewarding to care for someone who is helpless and dependentSingle parents face special challenges because they take on ALONE complete responsibility for their childAll household choresFinancial obligationsMany teen parents suffer from burnout or depressionNeed to be as realistic as possible when it comes to deciding how much help they will get

Marriage

Prospect of getting married is excitingStrains of responsibility set in earlyCan feel socially isolatedMarriage does have benefits

Sharing the load of child care lessens the work for eachBuild a caring homeStrong & rewarding relationship

Adoption

Alternative for pregnant teensThe birth mother and father give up their rights and responsibilities for raising the child and another family accepts themOpportunity to give a child more care, guidance, love then they can provide them with at the current timeAdoption should be carried out by professional who carefully screen prospective parentsClosed Adoption: birth parents don’t know the names of the adoptive parentsOpen adoption: birth parents are told about the adopting parents and may even get to meet them

When a Pregnancy Ends

Sometimes difficulties develop in pregnancyGrowth stops, the baby dies, and the mother’s body expels it from the uterusUsually happens within the first 20 weeksThis process is called a miscarriageAnyone who suspects they have a miscarriage or are having a miscarriage should contact a Dr. immediately