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Assertive/Aggressive/Passive (5+)
Time: 3-5minutes
Purpose: To introduce the three main communication styles as a means to develop assertive communication skills.
Instructions: Present your child with a difficult situation. Then 1) Respond in an aggressive way. 2) Respond in an assertive way, and/or 3) Respond in a passive way (depending on age, you can skip this one). Have them talk through what might happen with each response.
When reading books, stop and have them change the character’s response to be an aggressive, passive, or assertive one. With younger kids you can use “kind/unkind,” “helpful/unhelpful.”
See Figure 9: Page 36
Head and Heart Steps (5+)
Time: 3-5minutes
Purpose: To develop assertive communication.
Instructions: Practice the steps of head and heart: 1) Take a deep breath. 2) Think about how you feel and how the other person might feel. 3) Share your thoughts or feelings using “I” statements. 4) Come up with a solution when possible.
Practice “I feel” statements.
See Figure 10: Page 37
Needs & Wants (6+)
Time: 5-10minutes
Purpose: To help your child identify and advocate for their needs and wants in an assertive way.
Instructions: Help your child make a list of their needs. These can be basic needs, deeper needs and/or relational needs. Then help them make a list of their wants. Finally, have then identify how they get their needs met and ways they know to ask for what they want. You can also have them work to earn things/activities they want.
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