Final Answer:
You want to get dinner with your friends, but you do not have any money.
→ Solution 1: Ask if anyone wants to split the cost or treat you this time, and offer to pay next time.
→ Solution 2: Suggest a potluck—everyone brings something simple (like snacks or a drink) so it’s free or low-cost.
→ Solution 3: Choose a free activity instead, like walking in the park or playing games at someone’s house, and skip dinner—or bring homemade food.
You see your brother using your iPad and get really angry.
→ Solution 1: Take a deep breath, wait until you’re calmer, then calmly ask him to stop and explain why it bothers you.
→ Solution 2: Set up a shared schedule for using the iPad so both of you know when it’s your turn.
→ Solution 3: Offer to play a game together on the iPad—turn it into shared fun instead of a fight.
The person sitting next to you in class is tapping their pencil loudly while you try to work.
→ Solution 1: Politely say, “Hey, the tapping is making it hard for me to focus—could you stop or tap more quietly?”
→ Solution 2: Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs (if allowed) to block the sound.
→ Solution 3: Ask the teacher quietly if you can switch seats—without naming the person.
You want to play kickball, but your friends want to go inside and watch TV.
→ Solution 1: Suggest a compromise: play kickball for 15 minutes, then watch one episode of TV.
→ Solution 2: Invite them to join you outside *and* bring a portable speaker to play music or talk while playing—make it more fun for them.
→ Solution 3: Agree to watch TV now, but plan a kickball game for tomorrow—and ask them to help pick the time.
How can coming up with more than one solution help you solve a problem?
→ It gives you choices—if one idea doesn’t work or isn’t possible, you have backups.
→ It helps you think creatively and consider other people’s feelings or needs.
→ It reduces stress because you’re not stuck on just one “right” way—you can pick what fits best right now.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of social problem solving worksheet.
