Solving Problems

Everyone has problems in their lives. No two people are exactly identical, so there are bound to be conflicts. Solving problems, though, takes far more effort than making one. Here’s a common example that often happens to teenage boys like you, in a nice, understandable format. It lists the original problem or conflict, what both sides of the conflict want/need, what they are worried or concerned about, and some possible solutions (which may not be equally effective).

The Problem: Matt is spending too much time on the internet (who doesn’t, really?). His parents, seeing that he has not started on his homework yet, tell him to stop and do some homework before it gets late. The boy, wanting to have some fun first, refuses.

Their Needs:

            Matt’s parents want their son to get some work done.

            Matt wants to continue on with surfing the net/gaming/whatever it was he was doing.

Their Fears and Concerns:

            Matt’s parents are worried that their son would fail the assignment and get low grades, which may affect hisfuture.

            Matt is worried that he would lose time to do what he wants.

Possible Solutions:

1.     The parents can promise Matt a break after he’s done with his work, maybe with short breaks in between assignments.

2.     They can let him stay on the internet/game/whatever-it-was-he-was-using, and then have him work nonstop afterwards.

This is a problem many teenagers run into: balancing work and R & R. In this case, the first solution is obviously better in the long run (unless you want to work yourself to death at three in the morning). The most pragmatic solution to any conflict between people is to kill the opposing side, but that is obviously not viable. (I know what you’re thinking. Don’t.)