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Elements of a Good Relationship Having a Good Relationship What Do You Do Well?
with Your Kids
Here are characteristics that go into What are your strengths when relating to other people? Complete the following sentences, listing
creating and keeping a good relationship, As a parent, you are a role things you do right in a particular relationship. (Circle the relationship in the sentence that
whether it’s with family, friends, co- model for your children. Kids applies.)
workers, your spouse, or kids. are watching your physical
and emotional responses to 1. I believe I am a good (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
Trust – believing what someone says, different situations. They are because I: ____________________________________________________________
following through on promises, telling ___________________________________________________________________
the truth, being open, not keeping learning from you what “normal” behavior is.
secrets. One of the toughest jobs we have as parents is to __________________________________________________________________
set the good example we want our kids to follow.
Empathy – understanding how someone Parenting means: 2. I believe I am a good (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
feels, and offering support. because I: ____________________________________________________________
Respect – paying attention to others, Keeping your children safe ___________________________________________________________________
showing good manners, treating people Setting up expectations - boundaries for behavior, __________________________________________________________________
as you want to be treated. following rules, treating others with respect, etc. 3. I believe I am a good (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
Being there – giving someone your full Giving the right discipline because I: ____________________________________________________________
attention, don’t get distracted by your Teaching children self-control ___________________________________________________________________
phone or the next thing you want to say. Controlling your own anger and emotions when __________________________________________________________________
Being real – you feel comfortable you’re upset
being who you are, and don’t need to be Building their confidence by spending time Where Can You Improve?
someone you’re not. together, getting involved, and giving them praise. Now list the top three ways you can work on your relationships.
Good communication
Really listening to others Self-Esteem/Respect 1. I could do a better job as a (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
if I: ________________________________________________________________
Thinking before talking Good relationships with other people start with ___________________________________________________________________
having a good relationship with yourself. Watch your
Compromise self-talk – don’t say bad things about yourself. ___________________________________________________________________
Deal with conflicts when they Don’t say: “I can’t do this...” Do say: “This may be 2. I could do a better job as a (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
happen
hard but I can do this...” if I: ________________________________________________________________
Giving and taking feedback ___________________________________________________________________
Don’t say: “No one cares...” Do say: “There are
Don’t make assumptions people in my life who matter...” ___________________________________________________________________
Apologize when you’re wrong 3. I could do a better job as a (parent, partner, employee, son, daughter, friend)
Don’t say: “He will never notice if I just take
Offer to help, reach out, give love one...” Do say: “Stealing is wrong, if it isn’t mine, I if I: ________________________________________________________________
Show gratitude and appreciation. shouldn’t take it...” ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
