Warm-Up Identify an important decision you made in the last month. Explain what factors influenced your decision. Were you pleased with the outcome?

Decision Making Think about yesterday, and come up with a list of all the decisions you made. Some might have been easy decisions, while others may have been a little bit harder to make. When you make a decision, especially tough decisions, you need to understand the consequences both short- term and long-term. Making decisions will help give you purpose and direction in your life.

Making Responsible Decisions As a teen your parents start to trust you to make responsible decisions. Parents may start giving you your independence, and let up on a few rules from time to time. Independence is something that you should never take for granted. Responsible teens never use their independence to engage in risky behaviors.

The decision making process When making a decision, you want to make the best one you possibly can. Decision Making is the process of making a choice or finding a solution. It involves a series of 6 steps.

Step 1 and 2 Step 1: State the situation The first step is to identify the situation. One use full approach is to ask yourself questions. For example: What choice do you need to make? Who else is involved? The first step is important because it sets the stage for making decision that will affect your health. Step 2: List the options Think of as many possible options for the situation. Make sure that you options are only safe ones.

Step 3: Weigh the possible outcomes The 3 rd step is to consider the possible outcomes from each option. When weighing your choices, you should use the H.E.L.P formula. H(Healthful) Will my choice affect my well-being or the well-being of those around me? E (Ethical) Will my choice show respect for myself and others? L(Legal) Will I be breaking the law? Is it legal for someone my age? P(Parent Approval) Would my parents approve my decision?

Step 4: Considering Values When making a decision, always consider your values Values: The beliefs and principles that guide the way a person lives.((If your parents were right by you would they approve) Honesty, respect, and trust are all important values Considering tour values will guide you in the right direction as you make decisions.

Step 5 and 6 Step 5: Make a decision and act Once you have weighed you options and considered the risk and consequences, you are ready to take action. Choose the option that seems best. Make sure you are comfortable with your decision and how it may affect others as well. If you are unsure about your decision, ask a parent or an adult you trust. Step 6: Evaluate Your Decision After you have taken action, you should evaluate the outcome of your decision. Did the outcome turn out the way it did? Do you feel you made the right decision? Think about what you could do differently. Talk to a friend or adult you trust if you need a second opinion.

Activity Directions You will be put into small groups. Every group will have a different scenario. You and your group will need to put yourself in the shoes the the person, and make the best decision possible. You need to have at least 3 different options for the scenario (Have 1 negative one)