Making thoughtful decisions is one of the building blocks of becoming a leader. Whether you're babysitting, preparing to become a lifeguard, or just hanging out with friends, it's important to think about the consequences of your decisions before you make them. Use the FIND decision-making model to help you decide what to do.

Step 1: Figure out the problem.

• What do you have to decide?
• Make sure you focus on the exact problem that is causing trouble.

Step 2: Identify solutions.

• What are your choices?
• Think about all the possible ways you could solve the problem.

Step 3: Name the pros and cons of each choice.

• Think about the pros and cons of each way to solve the problem.

Step 4: Decide which is the best choice, then act on it.

• Decide which is the best solution.

The ability to make good decisions takes a lot of practice. The Red Cross has programs specially designed to help young people develop and practice decision-making skills. Contact the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross  to learn more about Babysitter's Training, GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow, The Party, Basic HIV/AIDS Program: Prevention Skills, Act SMART, and Don't Forget Sherrie.

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**Taken from www.redcross.org