Four questions are particularly useful as a reflective activity to improve decision-making skills in older children. Although you can pose the questions orally, the responses can be in conversation or in writing. If the responses are to be written or typed on a computer, it should be the youngster’s decision whether or not to share with the parent. The parent merely requests that the written responses be kept should a future review of the situation prove necessary.
The set of four questions are:
1. What did I do? (acknowledgment)
2. What can I do to prevent it from happening again? (choice)
3. What will I do? (commitment)
4. What is my plan to help me fulfill my commitment? (procedure)