One of the best skills you can teach your child is to problem solve for them self.  Whether they are 4 or 14, this skill will become one they use throughout their life. Julie Nelson shares 5 steps to help kids learn how to make decisions along with practical examples to help you see how to put these steps into practice.

Step 1: Define the problem. Context changes perception for each person. Be sure that both people agree or moving forward will be going in the wrong direction.

Step 2: Generate possible solutions. Let the child do this as much as possible so they feel empowered. Don't shoot them down right way. Let them feel safe with their ideas. Offer some of your own. If they say, "I don't know," tell them that you'll give you both time to think about it and come back.

Step 3 Evaluate possible solutions. "That doesn't work for me" is a good way to phrase a bad idea. Make sure this ends up being a win-win for both of you.

Step 4: Implement the decision. Try it out. See how it works. Step 5: Evaluate. Get back together and see how the solution worked or is working.

Step 5: Evaluate. Get back together and see how the solution worked or is working.

Check out Julie's website at http://aspoonfulofparenting.com/ (http://aspoonfulofparenting.com/)where she shares many more tips. And check out her book Parenting with Spiritual Power (http://www.amazon.com/Julie-K.-Nelson/e/B00DX1QRZ0/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1).