an article from
The Contemporary Classroom's
professional journal
teaching kids how to
self-advocate
Teaching kids how to self-advocate is so important in building their independence.
It is also an important tool to help children independently solve their problems. This tool helps make big problems become small problems because kids are able to solve the problems on their own.
For exercises on how to solve problems, check out our post on teaching kids perspective.
Below, we walk you through, step-by-step, how child development experts foster this skill.
first: Something to Note
These exercises are meant to be a resource that helps children find words to use when trying to express their feelings. This resource can be used through a conversation with a child about hypothetical situations or introduced when a child is in the middle of a real life situation where they are struggling to solve a problem or find words to express themselves.
Second: Have a chill, normal conversation
Third: role play some Situations
Finally: Real Life Practice
Sometimes in real life situations, kids get so caught up in their feelings and the problem that they forget the words to use. It’s helpful for them to know that if they try a to say their feelings and it doesn’t work, they should also find a trusted adult they know who can help them.
If they come up to you because they were not able to self-advocate successfully, first ask them to try it again and make sure that 1) they tap the person on the shoulder nicely to get their attention and 2) say the person’s name. Then, practice saying “it bugs me when ____,” I wish _____.” It is helpful to have them practice the sentence they are going to say before they go over there to self-advocate.
There’s various situations that arise that need an adult’s help. One is that the child forgets that sometimes a bug and a wish results in a compromise not just “my way or the highway.”
After a little real life practice and some guidance, the child’s skills will be strong enough for them to self-advocate without the need of an adult.