By Mekhala Joshi
October 4, 2022
Assertiveness is often mistaken as being aggressive, which is not true. To be assertive is to advocate for one's own interests without infringing on those of others.
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Being assertive helps children to stand up for themselves when dealing with peer pressure or bullies, saying “no” in tricky situations, etc. Hence, parents must teach them how to be assertive.
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Teach your child that saying “no” and “stop” is a method of protecting their physical and emotional well-being. Encourage your child to take a stand for what they prefer but within reason, even if it's as simple as choosing a bedtime story.
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The clarity in expression will make it easier for children to stand up for themselves, so the parent should encourage them to write their thoughts down and practise saying them.
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Along with what to say, children also need to master assertive body language, such as not hunching or fidgeting and maintaining eye contact while speaking.
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While dealing with pushy people, advise your child to repeat their stand with a firm but calm voice, such as “I hear you, but I don't want to.”
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A child could make small decisions, like what to wear or which toy to play with, as a first step toward giving them the power to stand up for themselves and be assertive.
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Point out and talk about the times when your child sees you being assertive. You could also do a role play so that your child can practise their assertiveness skills.
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