TIME UP KIDZ MOVIE

Practice: If your child is feeling nervous about speaking up, take some time to practice the scenario with them.

Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, help your child think of polite ways to talk to another child or what might be the best way to approach a teacher with an issue. Think of yourself as a coach: Once you’ve listened to your child’s concerns and it’s clear they’re still struggling for an answer, ask if they’d like your advice. Often, if parents simply provide a listening ear and don’t intervene, the child will come up with solutions on their own. But at this point try to resist giving advice. Listen: If your child comes to you with a dispute the first thing you should do is to show them you’re listening and acknowledge what they’re saying. And letting kids handle disputes gives them the opportunity to practice negotiation and other social skills. Getting involved sends the message that your child isn’t capable of handling the situation on their own.

Standback: Don’t interfere in your child’s disputes with other kids, even if they’re young toddlers.

TIME UP KIDZ MOVIE

Let kids know you believe they’re capable of speaking up – both to friends and other adults – but just like you wouldn’t force your child to ride a bike or watch a scary movie until they’re ready, there’s no need to force young kids to be assertive if they aren’t comfortable. Being assertive takes practice and there are many ways parents can help.īut first – while it’s great to encourage kids to speak up for themselves, don’t push kids into doing something they aren’t comfortable with. Getting young kids to speak up can be challenging, and that’s OK. Understanding and recognizing your feelings.Increased self-confidence and self-esteem.The benefits of being assertive (which is defined as being honest, direct, and clear) include: It’s seen as a healthier form of communication when done correctly. On the flip side, some kids have no problem standing up for themselves but have trouble responding in a calm, non-confrontational way.īeing assertive – the right way – is a delicate balance many adults still have trouble finding.īut being assertive, as opposed to passive-aggressive, can be beneficial to both kids and adults in many ways, according to the Mayo clinic. Sometimes there’s a fear they’ll offend the other person or be ostracized after speaking up. Over the past few weeks, a girl in her class had been saying things that bothered her – not terribly mean stuff, just annoying, slightly critical things she was growing tired of.įor weeks we had talked about what my daughter could say to this girl to let her know she didn’t like her behavior, but my daughter didn’t feel comfortable being assertive and confrontational.įor some kids, standing up for oneself is intimidating. “No, Mom, I can’t do it.” my daughter said as tears streamed down her face.

Time up kidz