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

Games for Teens
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List Your Options
Teens often act impulsively. They respond to something without thinking
instead of taking the time to review their options and choose the most effec-
tive response.
In this game, adolescents get the experience of seeing their options
before and even after the fact. Seeing one’s options is helpful in preparing
for possibilities and also in learning from mistakes.
T
Y P E O F
A
T T E N T I O N
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N C O U R A G E D
Open
M
A T E R I A L S
Paper and pen
Index cards (optional)
D
I R E C T I O N S
Make up scenarios or use ones that have happened. With your teenager, list
on paper or index cards all the possible ways to respond to the situation.
List all options, even if they seem silly or mean. The idea is to list as
many options as you can think of.
Example: A classmate cut in front of you at the drinking fountain. What
are your options?
1. Shove the kid away and get your place back.
2. Tell the teacher.
3. Say nothing but plan revenge.
4. Say something like “Hey, that’s my spot. Move to the back.”
5. Wonder why this person feels the need to be first.
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6. Say something to him later, such as “It ticked me off when you pushed
ahead of me. Don’t do that again.”
7. Say something loudly in line about this person shoving ahead, espe-
cially to the people behind you who were also affected, such as “Why
does this guy think he has the right to push ahead of us??”
8. Say derogatory things about this person to others in private.
9. Paste notices around the school that say, “Joshua cuts in line.”
10. Make a pass at his girlfriend.
Beside each option, write down the possible consequences. Comment
on the pros and cons of each. Discuss which ones feel comfortable, which
might be most effective in that situation, and which ones could be prac-
ticed and learned.