Emotional Intelligence:  How to Solve Problems, by Dr. Brad Schwall 

The Cool Kids curriculum for schools includes videos, lessons, activities, games, and parenting resources for building the social and emotional intelligence of children.  The resources provide you with practical tools for guidance lessons, character education, parent education, and special emphases such as career and college awareness, bullying prevention, and substance abuse prevention.  www.coolkidschannel.com 

When children understand that their actions have consequences, that others have feelings, and that there is more than one way to solve a problem, they:

• Are more patient
• Have more self-control
  

Cool Kids teaches the "Cool Rule" "Work it Out" to help youth problem-solve.  When your child has a problem to solve or a decision to make or when you need to find a solution or compromise in your own life and relationships, follow these steps.

1.  Think about the problem. Defining the problem helps in focusing on the problem rather than personality or the past. 

2. Brainstorm solutions.  It is easier to find a compromise or positive solution when we think of as many alternative solutions as possible.  

3.  Choose the best solution.  Choose the solution that provides the best compromise or has the most positive consequences.

Examples of Problem-Solving

• Preschoolers taking turns with a toy, playing together, finding another toy, or doing something else
• Elementary students deciding who gets to go first in a game or who will do what portion of a group project
• Middle school students deciding how to handle a bullying situation or deal with peer pressure
• High school students deciding what extra-curricular activities they will focus on or where they would like to go to college