ABC's of Feelings/Problem Solving
Step 1: Make eye contact with the person.Step 2: Use your “ABC’s of Feelings”
A- Make an “I Feel…” statement
(“I feel sad…”)
B- Tell the person exactly what they did to make you feel that way “when you…”
(“when you push me…”)
C- Tell the person exactly what they need to do to make the situation right again. “I need…”
(“I need you to say ‘sorry’ and never do it again.”)
When dealing with a problem, it can be hard to know how to stand up for yourself in a respectful and meaningful way. So what’s a First Grader to do?
We have learned about the “ABC’s of Feelings”. This strategy teaches your child to take back their “power” in a situation. Every single person deals with problems at some point, if you know what to do in that situation, you will be empowered and able to stand up for yourself- even if an adult is not around to help!
This strategy is something that children can use with other children, children can use with adults, and adults can use with children.
Starting with an “I feel…” statement is critical. No one in the world can tell YOU how YOU are really feeling, so there is nothing to argue about. Also, just being willing to look someone in the eye after they have wronged you in some way is a meaningful and important step.
Role play with this strategy at home! Think of situations where you can have your child use it to express their concern towards your actions or you can express your concern about theirs.
Please note: we make it VERY clear that if a child is hurt, feels threatened, or if a situation is reoccurring, we want them to IMMEDIATELY get the help of an adult. However, for most day-to-day interactions, we want your children to know how to handle the situation with confidence.
Step 1: Make eye contact with the person.Step 2: Use your “ABC’s of Feelings”
A- Make an “I Feel…” statement
(“I feel sad…”)
B- Tell the person exactly what they did to make you feel that way “when you…”
(“when you push me…”)
C- Tell the person exactly what they need to do to make the situation right again. “I need…”
(“I need you to say ‘sorry’ and never do it again.”)
When dealing with a problem, it can be hard to know how to stand up for yourself in a respectful and meaningful way. So what’s a First Grader to do?
We have learned about the “ABC’s of Feelings”. This strategy teaches your child to take back their “power” in a situation. Every single person deals with problems at some point, if you know what to do in that situation, you will be empowered and able to stand up for yourself- even if an adult is not around to help!
This strategy is something that children can use with other children, children can use with adults, and adults can use with children.
Starting with an “I feel…” statement is critical. No one in the world can tell YOU how YOU are really feeling, so there is nothing to argue about. Also, just being willing to look someone in the eye after they have wronged you in some way is a meaningful and important step.
Role play with this strategy at home! Think of situations where you can have your child use it to express their concern towards your actions or you can express your concern about theirs.
Please note: we make it VERY clear that if a child is hurt, feels threatened, or if a situation is reoccurring, we want them to IMMEDIATELY get the help of an adult. However, for most day-to-day interactions, we want your children to know how to handle the situation with confidence.