Self-Advocacy
Your teacher gives you an assignment, but you don't understand the directions. What could you say instead of waiting for an adult to notice?
“I don't understand the directions. Can you explain them another way?” / “Can you give me an example?”
Someone asks, “What did you do this weekend?” Give an answer that is more detailed than “nothing.”
Any response with relevant details, such as “I went to my cousin's house and we played video games.
Your friend is giving one-word answers and looking at their phone while you're talking. What might this mean?
They may be distracted, uninterested, busy, or ready to end the conversation. You shouldn't automatically assume you know exactly what they're thinking.
True or False: If someone says “no” to a date, you should keep asking until they say yes.
Answer: False. Respect their answer.
What do you call a dog at the beach?
A hot dog! 🌭🐶
You need a break because you are feeling overwhelmed. What is one appropriate way to communicate this?
“I need a break, please.” / “I'm feeling overwhelmed and need a few minutes.”
You want your friend to stop borrowing your things without asking. What is an appropriate way to say it?
“Please ask me before borrowing my things.”
Someone tells you, “I'm just kidding,” but their joke hurt your feelings. What can you say?
“I know you were joking, but it still hurt my feelings. Please don't joke about that.”
Your date says they don't want to hold hands. What should you do?
Respect their boundary and don't pressure them.
What kind of room has no doors or windows?
A mushroom!
Someone answers a question for you even though the question was directed at you. What could you say?
“I'd like to answer for myself.” / “Please give me a chance to answer.”
Turn this vague statement into a specific request: “I don't like it.”
Answers might include “I don't like when you make jokes about me,” or another specific explanation.
You want to join a conversation that two people are having. What could you say?
“Can I join you?” / “What are you guys talking about?”
Which is healthier?
A. “If you really liked me, you'd give me your password.”
B. “I respect that your accounts and passwords are private.”
B
What goes up but never comes down, especially every summer?
Your age. 🎂
You disagree with an adult's decision about something that affects you. Name two things you can do to advocate for yourself.
Explain your point of view, ask questions, state what you need, suggest a solution, or ask for support.
You are upset with someone. Which is more effective?
A. “You're annoying.”
B. “I felt frustrated when you interrupted me. I'd like you to let me finish.”
Answer: B
Your friend keeps talking about their favorite video game, but you've been talking about it for 10 minutes. What social skill might they need to use?
Turn-taking, noticing the listener's interest, asking questions, or changing topics.
Someone you're dating gets angry whenever you spend time with your friends. Is this a healthy or unhealthy behavior?
Unhealthy. A healthy relationship allows people to maintain friendships, interests, and personal space.
What has waves but can't swim?
The ocean
An adult usually speaks for you during meetings. You want to become more independent. What is one step you could take to participate more?
Prepare what you want to say ahead of time, answer questions yourself, share your preferences/goals, ask questions, or request that the adult give you time to respond.
Someone says, “Can you help me?” You are busy and cannot help right now. Give an appropriate response.
“I can't right now, but I can help you later.” / “Sorry, I'm busy right now.”
A person doesn't respond to your text message right away. What are two possible explanations besides “they don't like me”?
They're busy, haven't seen it, don't know how to respond, are at work/school, lost their phone, need some space, etc.
Your date keeps asking you to do something you've already said you don't want to do. What are two things you could say or do?
Clearly repeat your boundary, leave the situation, contact someone you trust, or ask for help. You do not have to keep explaining or negotiating your “no.”
What do you call a snowman in July?
A puddle! 😂