Problem-Solving Skills

Click on the image for a social story that can help children understand the steps to problem solving. The social story includes problem scenario cards to help children practice finding a solution to common social problems.

Click on the link below for a school version of the social story:

We Can Be Problem Solvers! (School Version)

Assertive children know how to stand up for themselves (and others) without being hurtful or mean. They can say “no,” communicate clearly, and maintain positive relationships that meet their own needs as well as those of others.

Click on the link below for some tips on raising assertive kids from Big Life Journal:

5 Key Steps For Raising Assertive Kids

Haga clic en la imagen para ver una historia social que puede ayudar a los niños a entender los pasos para resolver problemas. La historia social incluye tarjetas para ayudar a los niños a practicar la resolución de problemas sociales comunes.

Haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver una versión escolar de la historia social:

Nosotros podemos resolver problemas! (Versión escolar)

There are many ways to help make things right again after our actions have upset someone else. In this video from Daniel Tiger, children learn that they can say "I'm sorry" and then "How can I help?"

In this video from Esme & Roy, children learn that some jobs are just too big to do alone, and it's okay to ask for help.

Click on the link below to watch another video about asking for help:

Take a Step Back and Ask for Help (Daniel Tiger)

A fun way to teach children about assertive communication is talk to them about three conflict resolution types: a mouse (passive), a monster (aggressive), and a friend (assertive). Click on the link below for a Mouse, Monster, and Friend visual:

Mouse, Monster, and Friend Visual

Click on the link below for an alternate visual from Big Life Journal using a turtle (passive), a tiger (aggressive), and an owl (assertive): 

Turtle, Tiger, and Owl Visual

Conflicts are part of our daily life and there are different ways to deal with them. Each way has a different communication style: the aggressive style, the passive style, the passive-aggressive style and the assertive style. Watch the video above to learn more!

I Message Worksheet

An I Message is a way to be strong without being mean (that is, assertive) when you are angry or upset or disappointed with something another person has done. 

Sometimes children have trouble making I messages without making accusations. In those cases, try replacing the word "you" with more generic terms, like "someone" or "my friends", as explained here by Morningside Center.

"A bug and a wish" is one way to teach children how to use assertive communication. To give someone "a bug and a wish", first tell the person what is bugging or bothering you (e.g., "It bugs me when you call me that nickname"). Then, tell the person what you wish they would do differently (e.g., "I wish you would just call me by my name"). When using "a bug and a wish," be sure to remind children to choose kind words.

Click on the link below for a cute free printable activity using "a bug and a wish":

A Bug and A Wish Conflict Resolution

A social/emotional song for kids about using assertive communication to set healthy boundaries with others.

This book is a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it!