Solving Problems

1. Solving Problems Human Growth & Development Chapter 4 Section 2

2. Using the Problem Solving Process • When faced with important issues, it helps to follow the problem, solving process • Tips to use problem solving process effectively • Doesn’t have to be followed in sequential order • Evaluate your resources • Identify the consequences, or results, of an action (think long term as well) • Remember to think about the consequence for people other than yourself • Choose an alternative that works with your values • Ask yourself basic questions when evaluating how you solve problems • Evaluate results to help improve your problem solving skills

3. The Problem Solving Process • Recognize the problem • Gather and evaluate information about the problem • Consider alternatives and their consequences • Choose the best alternative • Plan a course of action and act • Evaluate the action and how you choose it

4. Making Responsible Decisions About Sexuality • Problem solving process can help you with difficult decisions such as sexuality • Choosing to be sexually active affects more than just the two teens involved • It can be helpful to discuss decisions with other people

5. Predicting Consequences • When you consider the consequences of sexual activity, think about the information in the previous section and the video we watched • Think about the emotional impact • How will you feel about yourself after • It is important to be hard-headed and clear-eyed when thinking about consequences

6. Deciding to Abstain • “It can’t happen to me” • The threat of STDs are VERY real • There is only one guaranteed way to avoid consequences and that is by abstaining • It is not reasonable to expect someone to make the decision to abstain in a moment of passion • Make the decision ahead of time • Once you have made the decision, stick to it

7. When Pregnancy Occurs • Sometimes teens get pregnant • Often teens have trouble believing and acknowledging the symptoms of pregnancy • Teens who are sexually active need to be aware of the symptoms of pregnancy • If you or someone you know suspect pregnancy, talk to someone • Once pregnancy has been confirmed, a teen can begin to decide what to do

8. Weighing Options • Single Parenthood • Marriage • Adoption

9. Single Parenthood • It can be rewarding to care for someone who is helpless and dependent • Single parents face special challenges because they take on ALONE complete responsibility for their child • All household chores • Financial obligations • Many teen parents suffer from burnout or depression • Need to be as realistic as possible when it comes to deciding how much help they will get

10. Marriage • Prospect of getting married is exciting • Strains of responsibility set in early • Can feel socially isolated • Marriage does have benefits • Sharing the load of child care lessens the work for each • Build a caring home • Strong & rewarding relationship

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

12. When a Pregnancy Ends • Sometimes difficulties develop in pregnancy • Growth stops, the baby dies, and the mother’s body expels it from the uterus • Usually happens within the first 20 weeks • This process is called a miscarriage • Anyone who suspects they have a miscarriage or are having a miscarriage should contact a Dr. immediately