How to teach children the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness
If children learn the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness, bullying would be prevented.
For some kids, being assertive comes naturally. They easily express their thoughts and feelings and have no problem standing up for what they believe. Meanwhile, other children struggle to express themselves, especially about things that bother them. But they need to learn that it is okay to ask for what they want. Likewise, they should know that it is acceptable to say no to things that they don’t like or that make them feel uncomfortable.
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MORE ASSERTIVENESS AND LESS AGGRESSIVENESS
When children are taught more assertiveness, they are avoiding and preventing bullying. These skills are especially important when it comes to dealing with bullying problems in any of its aspects. Offensive behavior and all its horrible consequences could be put to an end forever. Your child needs to reinforce his assertiveness skills, if you don’t know how to do it, keep reading to get it.
HIGHLIGHT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASSERTIVENESS AND AGGRESSIVENESS
Explain to your children that aggressive people try to force others to do what they want even if they don’t want to. There are those who manipulate and intimidate others to get what they want. Instead, assertive people are comfortable sharing their feelings. They will also defend themselves or others against injustice and ask for what they need.
They calmly express their thoughts and opinions with a respectful voice and respectful language . You need to make sure your kids know how to use a strong and confident voice without yelling. Assertive people also respect the needs and wants of other people.
THEY MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS
Critical thinking is constituted by making decisions. Empower your children by allowing them to make their own decisions about the things they are asked to do. You have to make sure that they have enough capacity to decline any request that might make you feel uncomfortable. Your child should know that they have freedom in their decision-making and that if someone tells them to go to the movies and they don’t want to go, they can reply by saying something like: ‘thank you, maybe next time’.
To practice decision-making at home , try giving your child options in the family. If you constantly make decisions for your child, he is more likely to let his friends make decisions for him, too.
LET HIM KNOW THAT HE HAS RIGHTS
Make sure your children know that they have the right to say ‘no’. Your child also has the right to be treated with respect, to express his feelings, to express his needs, and to be proud of who he is. If a friend, a stalker, or even a boyfriend doesn’t respect your rights, then you need to question your relationship with that person. Assertive people don’t allow others to trample on their rights. They learn to stand up to bullies and other disrespectful people and they know how to defend themselves when they need it.
PROMOTE GOOD SELF-ESTEEM
Building self-esteem is a crucial component of bullying prevention. It is also essential for assertiveness. You can’t expect your child to stand up for himself or what he believes in if he doesn’t have self-esteem . To build self-esteem in your child, listen to what he has to say all the time.
Encourage him to think for himself. Doing so will show that their thoughts, feelings, and opinions are important to you and everyone. You will feel more comfortable if you trust who you are. Encourage self-expression in the home where it is safe to be authentic. This helps build confidence and allows your child to practice being true with others.
PRACTICE ASSERTIVENESS
Assertiveness is a skill that can be learned so it has to be practiced at home. Practice at home the situations in which your child may face at school. For example, pretend to be a teacher and ask your child for help. Or pretend to be a bully and have your child practice defending himself. Practicing assertiveness will help your child get used to expressing his needs in a safe environment. It also gives you your experience of being assertive so that when the time comes to assert yourself.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.