Isaac is a second grader who hates having to decide between options that are not fun, boring, or too hard.

If he wants to ride his bike to his buddy's house, Mom says he needs to wear his helmet - even though it's so hot he thinks his head will melt. Or he can stay home and be bored. In the lunchroom, he can pick up the trash he dropped on the floor. Or he can pick up All the trash littering the floor.

What will Isaac do when every option he has seems so awful?

This amusing tale teaches kids how to make the best decision when your choices all involve things you really don't want to do. This story is part of Bryan Smith's Stepping Up Social Skills books series for children in grades K through 5.

Helping children become good decision makers and lifelong problem solvers involves teaching them to choose. Included at the end of the story are tips for parents and educators to reinforce the message of how to make the best choice.

Help teach children to control their impulses and become more self-reliant with the Stepping Up Social Skills book series.

• But I Need Your Help Now!: A Story Teaching How to Get an Adult's Attention, and When It's Okay to Interrupt


• What's Your Choice?: A Story About Making the Best Choice, Even When It's Not Fun