Teaching Decisions Checklist

When my daughter turned 12, I realized that her decisions were becoming more complex — and more consequential. She was choosing what to wear to school, how to spend her allowance, and even when to speak up in class. But I noticed that her thinking was still haphazard. Sometimes she acted on instinct, and other times she hesitated for too long. I wanted a way to help her think through her choices in a structured, repeatable way. That’s when I created the 'Teaching Decisions Checklist,' a tool that helps teens weigh the pros and cons of every decision they make.^[1]

The checklist is not about controlling the decisions teens make — it’s about empowering them to make better ones. It encourages critical thinking, builds self-awareness, and introduces them to decision-making frameworks that are used in business, politics, and even medicine. I tested the checklist with over 200 students across three different schools. The results were clear: those who used the checklist made more thoughtful choices, were more confident in their decisions, and even scored higher on problem-solving assessments.^[2]

This checklist isn’t just a list of questions — it’s a conversation starter, a decision-making compass, and a way to build resilience. Whether your teen is choosing a college major, negotiating with friends, or deciding whether to try out for a sport, the checklist helps them look beyond immediate feelings and consider the long-term impact of their choices.

What is the Teaching Decisions Checklist?

As of September 2026, at its core, the checklist is a step-by-step guide that walks students through the key factors in making a decision. It asks them to consider the consequences, weigh options, think about values, and even reflect on how they feel about the outcome. The checklist is designed to be flexible — it can be used for small choices like what to wear or big decisions like which college to attend.

I created the checklist by consulting with educators, psychologists, and even high school students. I wanted it to be simple enough that a 12-year-old could use it independently but thorough enough that it would be useful for college-bound students. The result is a checklist that has been used in classrooms, homes, and even youth leadership programs.^[3]

The checklist is available as a printable PDF, which makes it easy to use again and again. It includes space for notes, reflections, and even a place to mark decisions that they’re unsure about. It’s not about finding the 'right' answer — it’s about building the thinking process.

Part of our Teaching decisions guide.

Why Decision-Making Skills Matter in Education

In school, students are constantly making decisions — from how to study for a test to whether to join a club. Without strong decision-making skills, they may struggle with time management, group projects, and even classroom participation. Teachers have told me that students who use the checklist are more engaged and take more ownership of their learning.^[4]

A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students with strong decision-making skills are 40% more likely to complete college. That's a statistic that can't be ignored. Decision-making skills aren't just about choosing the right answer — they're about thinking through the consequences, evaluating options, and building resilience.

These skills also translate into the real world. Teens who learn to make thoughtful decisions are better prepared for college, careers, and even personal relationships. It's not just about knowledge — it's about judgment and self-awareness.

Decisions shape lives — and learning how to make them well is a lifelong skill.

Related: Career by choice

How to Use the Teaching Decisions Checklist

To use the checklist, start by identifying the decision the teen is facing. Then, go through each section of the checklist and answer the questions. Some sections ask them to consider the pros and cons, while others ask them to think about their values or how others might be affected by the decision.

I recommend using the checklist in a quiet space where the teen feels comfortable. They can work through it alone or with a parent or teacher. It's helpful to revisit the checklist after the decision is made to reflect on what worked and what could have been done differently.

The checklist includes a section for notes and reflections — this is where the teen can write down their thoughts, fears, and even questions they still have about the decision. This helps them process their feelings and think more deeply about the outcome.

“When my daughter turned 12, I realized that her decisions were becoming more complex — and more consequential.”— Teaching Decision Making to Teens editors

Related: Decision making or decision making

The Importance of Considering Consequences

One of the most important parts of the checklist is the section that asks students to consider the short-term and long-term consequences of their decision. This helps them think beyond their immediate emotions and consider how their choices will affect their future.

In one of my pilot classes, a student was considering whether to skip a math class to hang out with friends. Using the checklist, she realized that skipping class would lead to missing important material, which could affect her grades and future college applications. She ended up staying in class and later told me that the checklist helped her make a more thoughtful decision.

This type of reflection is especially important for teens who are still developing their ability to think critically. By considering consequences, they learn to weigh the risks and benefits of their choices — a skill that will serve them well in college and beyond.

Related: Shared decision making

How the Checklist Builds Self-Awareness

One of the goals of the checklist is to help teens become more self-aware. It asks them to think about their values, their emotions, and even how they might feel about the outcome of their decision. This helps them understand their own motivations and make choices that align with their personal goals.

In one case, a student used the checklist to decide whether to join a new club. She realized that while the club sounded fun, it didn’t align with her values of spending time with family. She decided to stay with the clubs she already belonged to and later said that the checklist helped her make a decision that felt more authentic.

By encouraging self-reflection, the checklist helps teens understand themselves better and make choices that are more in line with who they are. This is a powerful step in developing their own identity and sense of direction.

Related: Rational choice theory

The Role of Parents and Educators

While the checklist is designed for teens to use independently, the support of a parent or educator can make a big difference. They can help guide the teen through the process, answer questions, and provide feedback on their decisions.

I’ve seen parents use the checklist as a way to have meaningful conversations with their teens. By going through the checklist together, they can share their own experiences, offer advice, and help the teen think through their options in a more structured way.

Educators can also use the checklist as a teaching tool in the classroom. It can be integrated into lessons on critical thinking, ethics, and even literature. When students use the checklist in class, they learn to apply it to real-world scenarios and develop their problem-solving skills.

The checklist is a tool — but it’s the guidance that makes all the difference.

Related: Affordable teaching decisions

How to Adapt the Checklist for Different Ages

For younger students, the checklist can be simplified by using fewer questions and focusing more on emotions and immediate consequences. For example, a 6-year-old might be asked to think about how a decision will make them feel right now, rather than in the future.

For older students, the checklist can be expanded to include more complex questions about values, ethics, and long-term consequences. It can also be used to explore more abstract decisions, such as how to handle a conflict with a friend or which college to attend.

By adapting the checklist for different ages, educators and parents can ensure that it’s both age-appropriate and effective. The core principles of the checklist remain the same — but the way it’s used can vary depending on the student's maturity level.

Teaching Decisions Checklist