KELSO’S CHOICES
It’s your choice!
BIG PROBLEMS
It’s a BIG problem if…
 It’s scary (like someone threatening to hurt
you)
 A person’s body is hurt or is in danger (like
someone hitting or tripping)
 Property is broken/damaged or could be
broken/damaged (like writing on walls)
 It’s against the law (like stealing)
If you have a BIG problem…
Tell an adult you trust right away!
ADULTS AT HOME
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Parent
Grandparent
Neighbor your family trusts
Grown-up friends (mom/dad’s friend, friend’s
mom or dad)
Coach
ADULTS AT SCHOOL
Teacher
 Counselor
 Principal/Assistant Principal
 Lunchroom worker
 Bus driver
How can you tell someone works at our school?
They should be wearing a Wiener picture badge
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SMALL PROBLEMS
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If it’s not a BIG problem (not scary, no one’s
body is hurt or in danger, no property is
broken or damaged, and it’s not against the
law), it’s a small problem.
Small problems can feel just as important as
BIG problems.
If you have a small problem, use one or two
of Kelso’s Choices.
GO TO ANOTHER GAME
You should find someone else to play with or
something else to play if…
 Someone won’t let you play
 Someone isn’t playing fair
 The game is getting too rough
TELL THEM TO STOP
You can tell someone to stop when you don’t
like what they are saying or doing.
 Make eye contact
 Look serious (no smiling or giggling)
 Keep your hands and feet to yourself
 Use a firm, clear voice
 Say it ONLY once
WALK AWAY
You should walk away to show someone who
is bothering you that you are in control.
 Zip your lips
 Walk away without looking back
 Walk where there are other people (never
run and hide)
 If they follow you, walk near a grown up
IGNORE IT
You can choose to ignore it if someone is trying
to get your attention in a way that is not nice,
like teasing or making faces at you.
 Calm body and facial expression -- look like
you are just fine (even if you’re upset)
 Don’t look at the person
 Move yourself away from the person
SHARE & TAKE TURNS
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If you notice that someone needs something
that you have, be a good friend and share.
If you want to use something that someone
else has, remember your good manners.
If someone won’t share, ask someone else.
Others will remember if you share and take
turns with them. If you share and take turns,
others will probably do the same for you.
TALK IT OUT
Use this choice when you want to tell someone
that you don’t like what they are saying/doing.
If someone won’t give you a turn…
 Use an “I” message:
I feel sad
when you don’t give me a turn.
Please give me a turn.
MAKE A DEAL
Use this choice when you can’t decide
something, like who will go first or which game
to play. How can you make a deal?
 Rock, Paper, Scissors
 Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo
 Secret Number
 Flip a Card
APOLOGIZE
Use this choice when you say or do something
that hurts someone or makes them feel bad.
 Say, “I’m sorry for ____.”
 Say it like you mean it
 Make sure the person is o.k.
 Work very hard not to do it again
 If they don’t accept the apology, respectfully
give them some time
WAIT & COOL OFF
Use this choice when you are very angry or
upset.
 Take deep breaths
 Count slowly
 Think a happy thought
 Exercise (walk, run, jump rope)
Once you’re calm, you can talk it out
without yelling, screaming or hurting others.
What if the choices don’t work?
If you try 2 of Kelso’s Choices and the problem
continues, ask an adult for help.
 Tell the adult what you’ve tried already
 If the problem continues after an adult has
helped you, go back to the same adult and
let them know
 If one adult won’t help you, find another one!
Kelso says…
You are SMART enough
and STRONG enough to
make good choices!