B a r b a r a s h e r I l L u s t r a t I o n s b y r a L p h

V
A R I A T I O N S
⽧ Look at the options in a “big picture” situation. For example, what
options did a leader of a country have at a critical period of history?
What were other options for George W. Bush besides going to war with
Iraq? What were other options for Rosa Parks besides refusing to give
up her seat on the bus?
⽧ Look at the options in a smaller picture, such as a situation on a televi-
sion show. What options did Homer Simpson have in the last episode
you saw of The Simpsons?
W
H A T
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S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
When teenagers can see all the choices they have, they can significantly
lighten the load of the problem and enlarge their global attentive skills.
Some of their suggested responses are sure to elicit giggles and perhaps the
mental satisfaction of revenge without the messy consequences.
Young people also get a chance to really look at the consequences of
each option and see which outcomes they would prefer. Having this open
Games for Teens
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awareness will help them develop impulse control and guide them in
choosing other options the next time.
If the variations are played, teenagers gain the awareness that
all humans have to make choices and all these choices lead to conse-
quences, which in turn lead to the possibility of different choices. We’re all
learning.
Name the Consequences
When teenagers are afraid of a situation, one way for them to stay focused
in the moment is to look squarely at the possible consequences and make
alternative plans for dealing with them. When teenagers worry that some-
thing is not going to go the way they hoped, suggest that instead of panick-
ing, they make a list!
Once they see clearly that they can handle various possible conse-
quences, adolescents often can relax and deal with what is happening.