Problems and challenges abound in life, and good problem-solving skills are the key to managing your life. 

 A 2010 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that teens who lack problem-solving skills may be at a higher risk of depression and suicidality. Additionally, the researchers found that teaching a teen problem-solving skills can improve mental health. 

 This course's basic problem-solving skills will help you sharpen your life and make you successful now and in your adult life. Why Problem-Solving Skills Matter The teenage years are often a very volatile phase of life.

 You are likely to face a variety of problems every day, ranging from academic difficulties to problems in your relationship with others. When teens aren’t equipped with appropriate problem-solving skills, they tend to avoid situations and activities that feel challenging to them, which can have a huge impact on their ability to form and maintain relationships with their peers, excel in a school environment, and pursue interests and hobbies.

  Don’t be among those that invest their time in avoiding issues that life throws at them. Instead, learn how to solve your problems and face them. The 5 Steps of Problem-Solving Teens who feel overwhelmed or hopeless often won't attempt to address a problem. But with a clear formula for solving problems, you'll feel more confident in your ability to try.

 Here are the steps to problem-solving 
 1. Take a deep breath The first step in teaching problem-solving skills to kids is to ensure they are calm. When our emotions are high, it’s much more challenging to see things rationally, making impulsive reactions more likely. Teach your child how to calm his or her body through mindful breathing so he or she has a go-to strategy to return to a state of calm when his or her emotions are high.

 2. Identify the problem. Just stating the problem aloud can make a big difference when you feel stuck. Help your child state the problem, such as, "You don't have anyone to play with at recess," or "You aren't sure if you should take the advanced math class."

 3. Develop at least five possible solutions. Do deep thinking and come up with possible ways to solve the problem. Note that all the solutions don't necessarily need to be good ideas (at least not at this point). Even a silly answer or far-fetched idea is a possible solution. The key is to see how creative with the problem at hand and that you can find many different potential solutions. 

 4. Identify the pros and cons of each solution. List out the positive and negative consequences for each potential solution you identified. 

 5. Pick a solution. Once you evaluate the possible positive and negative outcomes, make a wise choice and own it! 

 6. Test it out. Try a solution and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, they can always try another solution from the list that they developed in step two. 

 Practice Solving Problems When problems arise, don’t rush to ask your parents to solve the problem for you. instead, discuss the problem and the possible solution you had come out with them. Take their guidance seriously especially if they have experience in the subject matter. 

But above all, believe in yourself and God for the solution to your challenges in life rather than taking an automatic solution from adults in your life. We learn and grow through doing! When you encounter behavioral issues, use a problem-solving approach. 

Sit down and talk to yourself. This self-reflection mood is a very important aspect of developing a problem-solving skill.