SODAS Method Helps Youth Solve Problems

Youths today are constantly faced with situations that can either get them into trouble or keep them out of trouble. Some youths are lacking the necessary skills to making the right decision when faced with these situations. The good thing is that many of these youths are not “bad kids”, rather they have never been taught how to make the best decision in order to keep them from doing the wrong thing. The SODAS method is used to help youth solve problems. SODAS is used when the youth is encountering, or is about to encounter, a problem situation.

In order to help youths develop better problem solving skills, the SODAS method must be taught to them. Far too often youths forget to take a second to think through their decisions before making them. They can get caught up in the heat of the moment or even fall subject to peer pressure. By teaching youths the SODAS method you are arming them with the skills they need to take a step back, analyze the situation, and make the smart decision.

Components of the SODAS Method

By following the steps below Teaching Parents can help youths solve their issues, as well as, teach youths a great method for solving future issues on their own. The components of the SODAS method are as follows:

• Situation – Describe the problem or issue facing the youth
• Options – List the options the youth has for solving his/her issue. Try to find at least three to four different options for solving the situation.
• Disadvantages – Review the Options that you determined could solve the problem and list three to four disadvantages for each Option.
• Advantages – Review the Options that you determined could solve the problem and list three to four advantages for each Option.
• Solution – Finally, review the Options with the Advantages and Disadvantages for each, and select the best Option for solving the youth’s problem.

Situations When the SODAS Method Can Be Applied

Youths are faced with situations every day whereby they can apply the SODAS method to help them come up with the appropriate solution to the situation. Here are a few example situations whereby the SODAS method can be applied:

• A friend or acquaintance starts doing drugs and tells the youth to “try it”
• A student in one of the youth’s school classes asks the youth to “borrow his homework”
• The youth sees someone doing something wrong or even illegal and needs to decide if he should report the offense
• The youth is buying something in a store and realizes that the clerk did not charge him for one or more of the products he purchased

Any of these examples are prime situations when the SODAS method should be applied. By taking time to analyze the situation, determine the options for handing the situation, and compare and contrast the disadvantage and advantages for each option, the youth will more than likely choose the best solution for each situation. Teaching children the SODAS method provides them the skills they need to make the right decisions when confronted with these situations.