Dealing with Problems in Daily Life – Unit 337

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will:

1. Recognise a problem2. Tackle a problem3. Review the way the problem was solved

What is a Problem?

“A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution”

“Something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.”

What is Problem Solving?

Problem solving is overcoming obstacles that stop you achieving your goal.

Goals• Goals can be anything that you wish to achieve,

where you want to be. If you are hungry then your goal is probably to eat something.

Obstacle• An obstacle to this goal may be that you have no

food available.

Stages to Problem Solving

1. What is the

problem

2. Why is it a

problem

3. Ideas to deal with the problem

4. Identify the best solution

5. Put the

solution into

practice

6. Evaluate

the outcome

1. What is the Problem

The first step in problem-solving is working out exactly what the problem is.

Problem - My friend is really annoying me

Goal – Tell my friend to stop annoying me

2. Why is it a Problem

It is a problem because:

• I am worried that I will lose my temper

• I don’t know how to tell them

• I don’t want to hurt their feelings

(the obstacles)

3. Ideas to Deal with the Problem

Brainstorming• The aim is to produce as many ideas as possible.

• The aim is for the group to come up with ideas at a rapid pace. 

• All ideas should be encouraged, regardless of how irrelevant, 'stupid' or 'off the mark' they might seem.

• Absolutely no criticism of any suggestions is allowed. 

3. Ideas to Deal with the Problem

• Don’t do anything• Get advice from someone/somewhere• Get another friend to say something• Stop being friends with the person• Stop being around the friend in the situations that

annoy you• Speak to your friend with someone else there• Speak to your friend alone

4. Identify the Best Solution

• Look at each idea and think about the pros and cons

• Analyse and risks

• Make a decision based on the best possible option.

5. Put the Solution into Practice

• Accept the solution you decided on

• Do whatever you decided needs to be done

• Practise what needs to be said on another friend • Speak to your friend and calmly explain the problem

and what you would like to see being done differently.

6. Evaluate the Outcome

After trying the solution, make time to ask yourself whether it worked.

If your friend has stopped the annoying behaviour as a result of your chat - then it has worked.

Dealing with Problems in Daily Life – Unit 337