Making a decision can be a tough thing to do no matter the age. Modeling and teaching my kids to make a pros & cons list has enabled us to feel confident that we are making the best one.

Often when we look at a situation, a purchase or whatever we are contemplating, it’s hard to see the facts clearly. A list really helps to bring things into perspective. If you have highly visual kids like mine, this list helps them to visualize their decision.

How To Make A Pros & Cons List

Before you can get started, you need a piece of paper and some type of writing instrument.

• Make a two-column list.

• On the left, put your pros. All the good things about this decision.

• On the right, you will write all the cons or negatives things about this decision.

Very quickly, common sense starts to reveal itself. This does not replace discussing decisions together of course.

Why should I use a pros & cons list?

Making a decision can be a tough thing to do sometimes.  Try having your child use a pros-cons list as part of three decisions over the next three weeks. Model a decision where you make a pros & cons list for your child to see. Discuss it together. The more they use this skill, the easier it becomes. Practice makes perfect.

You can do this with any age. Just scaffold it down to make it developmentally appropriate. For Rockhoppers, make the 2 columns for them then let them orally tell you the good and bad. For Trailblazers, sit with them while they do it to offer guidance.

This skill has been featured on Skill Of the Week.

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