Lesson 10: Get
Directions / Help
Quote:
‘A
big mistake you can make is not asking for help.’
Statement:
Being
able to know how to ask for help in the right way and at the right time can be
life saving for some children. Many children ask for help in the wrong way and
at the wrong time, and eventually stop asking for help because they feel adults
either don’t care or don’t listen. In Lesson 10 on the BRIDGE BUILDERS® Online
Program you will find some simple and powerful ways to teach your children how
to be problem solvers and seek the help they need. These skills are really
helpful for children to use anywhere and for the rest of their life.
Research:
When
we have challenges in relationships we can all benefit from wise help. Research
by Tyre & Ellis (1993) suggested that seeking help “includes material
resources, others' skill, time and effort, as well emotional support. By
actively seeking help from others when faced with a problem, resources can be
more efficiently allocated to the problem at hand, increasing the chances that
the challenge can be surmounted.”
Tips
to teach this skill at home:
1. Listen, really
listen to them. Give them eye contact, repeat back what they say.
2. Ask them what they
tried that worked and what didn’t work.
3. Have them practise
asking for help from an adult with you. Encourage them to use this skill at home
when they need your help.
4. Encourage them,
especially any effort they have tried to solve the problem.
5. Ask them if they
have any ideas of what they would like you to do to help
6. Consider calling
their teacher and organising to have a chat about what is happening and how you
can work together to empower your child.
7. If the conflict is
with a sibling, consider whether you need to step in and mediate or talk to
your other child about consequences.
8.
With your child, visit the BRIDGE BUILDERS® Online Learning Program Lesson Ten
and do some of the fun activities as a family. Validating this learning
empowers your child with valuable skills to learn how to; Get Help and be
empowered for life!
By Jocelyne Chirnside
www.EmpoweringLifeSkills.com.au
Empowering
Life Skills