Listening & Validation
Name one way you can show someone that you are really listening to them.
Steps of active listening: eye contact, not interrupting, head nodding, reflecting, etc.
Name 3 emotions someone might feel during a hard day.
Examples: angry, sad, worried, frustrated, disappointed, overwhelmed.
Finish: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
Example: “I feel frustrated when plans change because I like knowing what to expect.”
Name one way you can help a family member feel cared about.
Spend time together, give a compliment, help with something, give affection, or do something thoughtful.
What is a boundary?
A limit that helps someone protect their comfort, safety, time, space, or needs.
Someone says, “Today was really stressful.” Reflect back what you heard and add a validating response.
It makes sense you're stressed out. You had a lot going on!
Name 2 body clues that might tell you that you are getting angry, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Tight muscles, fast heartbeat, hot face, shaky hands, stomachache, clenched fists, or fast breathing.
Turn “You never listen to me!” into an I-statement.
“I feel ignored when I’m talking and get interrupted because I want to feel heard.”
Name 2 ways people might prefer to receive love or appreciation.
Quality time, words of encouragement, helpful actions, gifts, or physical affection.
Give an example of a healthy privacy or personal-space boundary.
Asking before entering someone’s room, knocking first, or giving someone space when requested.
What is the difference between validating someone’s feelings and agreeing with everything they say or do?
Validation only means that you understand where the person is coming from and it makes sense for that situation, not agreement or approval.
Your emotion is at a 7/10. Name 2 coping strategies that could help bring it down.
Deep breathing, take space, grounding, listen to music, drink water, walk, squeeze something, or talk to someone.
A family member changes plans without telling you. Make an I-statement.
“I feel frustrated when plans change without me knowing because I like being prepared. Could you let me know next time?”
One person likes hugs, but another prefers help with tasks. How can they show care in the way the other person prefers?
The hug-loving person could help with a task, while the other person could offer appropriate affection if comfortable.
Someone says, “I need ten minutes before we keep talking.” What does respecting the boundary look like?
Give them the ten minutes and agree on when to come back to the conversation.
Someone says, “Nobody understands why I’m so upset.” Respond using reflective listening + validation without trying to fix the problem.
It sounds like you feel unheard. It's painful to feel like nobody gets us.
Someone usually notices they are overwhelmed only after they explode. What could help them catch it earlier?
Use a 0–10 emotion scale, notice body clues, check in regularly, identify triggers, or take a break at a lower number like 4 or 5.
Turn “You’re being so annoying!” into an I-statement.
“I feel irritated when there is a lot happening at once because I need some quiet right now.”
Family members have been busy and disconnected. Name 3 small connection ideas that cost nothing.
Eat together, take a short walk, watch a show, play cards, talk in the car, share music, or have a 10-minute check-in.
What is the difference between a boundary and controlling someone?
A boundary says what I will do or need. Control tries to force someone else to act a certain way.
A family member talks for about 30 seconds about a pretend frustration. The listener must respond with: 1) what happened, 2) the feeling they heard, 3) a possible need, and 4) a validating statement.
Answers will vary
Make a mini coping plan using emotion + body clue + coping skill + support needed.
Example: “When I feel angry, my chest gets tight. I’ll take ten minutes and breathe. I need my family to give me space and check back afterward.”
Create an I-statement that includes feeling, situation, reason, and request.
Example: “I feel overwhelmed when several people talk to me at once because I have trouble thinking. Could we talk one at a time?”
Design a 10-minute family connection ritual.
Example: Everyone puts phones away, chooses one song, shares a high and low from the day, and ends with one appreciation.
Someone sets a boundary and the other person feels disappointed. How can both people’s needs be respected?
Respect the boundary while acknowledging the disappointment and finding another option when possible.