Problem-Solving Worksheet

Work through one decision at a time

Use this when you need to make a parenting decision and want to stay calm, child-focused, and safe. You can save as many of these as you want — your most recent five are listed below.

If using this worksheet causes fear or retaliation, do not share it with the other parent. Save it for your attorney, advocate, or mediator instead.

1. What is the parenting issue?

Example: exchange time, school event, medical decision, extracurricular activity.

2. What does the child need?

Safety, stability, routine, emotional support, medical care, school success.

3. What is my concern?

Keep it factual.

4. What is the other parent likely concerned about?

This is not agreement. It is perspective-taking.

5. What communication pathway is safest?

No direct contact / written only / third-party assisted / direct discussion.

6. What are three possible options?

Brainstorm three. They don’t need to be perfect.

Option A

Option B

Option C

7. Which option best protects the child and lowers conflict?

Pick from A, B, or C and explain briefly.

8. What boundary is needed?

Time, location, tone, third party, written record, no direct contact.

9. What is the next safe step?

One concrete action you can take in the next 24-72 hours.

Open Safety Assessment