Say What You Need
You want some quiet time. What is one way you could tell someone?
“I need some quiet time right now.”
Someone is touching your things and you don't like it. What could you say?
“Please don't touch my things without asking.”
Someone is being too loud and your brain feels overwhelmed. What could you say?
“It's too loud for me. I need it quieter.”
Name one thing you can do before speaking when your Watchdog Brain starts getting activated.
Pause, breathe, wall pushes, step away, relax, or another regulation strategy.
What kind of animal is Winnie-the-Pooh?
A bear
Finish the sentence: “I feel ___ when ___, and I need ___.”
Any appropriate feeling + situation + need.
True or False: A boundary means you are
False. A boundary communicates what you need to feel safe or comfortable
A sibling keeps bothering you while you're trying to finish something. What could you say?
“I need space until I'm finished. We can talk afterward.”
Your body starts getting tight and your fists clench. What might your body be communicating?
“I'm getting angry/activated and may need regulation or space.”
What food does Pooh especially love?
Honey.
You don't know exactly what you're feeling, but you know something isn't right. What could you communicate?
“Something doesn't feel right. I need a minute to figure it out.”
Someone keeps doing something after you asked them to stop. What could you say?
“I already asked you to stop. I'm going to move away/get help if it continues.”
Someone accidentally bumps into you and you immediately feel angry. What could you do before responding?
Pause, check what happened, regulate, then communicate what you need.
Why can communicating be harder when your Watchdog Brain is very activated?
The brain is focused on protection, so thinking, listening, and finding words may be harder.
What is the name of Pooh's nervous, worried friend?
Piglet.
“Something doesn't feel right. I need a minute to figure it out.”
“I'm not ready to talk yet. I need some time first.”
Someone wants to play with you, but you want to be alone. Give an assertive response.
“I don't want to play right now. Maybe later.”
You're upset because someone keeps interrupting you. Give a response using Notice → Name → Need → Ask.
Example: “I notice I'm getting frustrated. I need to finish what I'm saying. Can you let me finish before responding?”
What is the goal of Owl Brain communication?
To communicate what happened, how you feel, and what you need while feeling regulated enough to use your words.
Which Winnie-the-Pooh character is known for bouncing?
Tigger.
Someone wants you to explain yourself, but you've already explained several times. What could you say?
“I've already explained what I need. I don't want to keep discussing it right now.”
A sibling hits or pushes you during an argument. What is an assertive and safe response?
“Don't hit me. I'm moving away and getting an adult.”
Your Watchdog Brain says, “FIGHT!” but you want to communicate instead. What could you do?
Create space, use a regulation strategy, recognize body cues, and communicate the boundary when able.
Create your own Owl Brain communication plan: When I notice ___, I can ___, then I can say ___.
Client creates an individualized response using a body cue + regulation strategy + assertive statement.
Tigger.
Any three appropriate characters, such as Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, or Roo.