Exploring alternatives is a process that:

• Helps your child identify options for solving a problem
• Lets you help your child evaluate those options (without you giving advice)
• Assists your child in carrying through a plan of action

The five steps of exploring alternatives are:

1. Encourage your child to talk about the problem
2. Brainstorm alternatives
3. Allow your child to choose a solution
4. Obtain a commitment
5. Evaluate the success of the solution

Let's look at a typical example of using exploring alternatives to help your child solve a problem. Your eleven year old, Gabriel, was playing ball with some friends and accidentally hit the ball through Mr. Washington's window. All the kids ran away and he doesn't think any adults saw him.

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