Tools To Help Children/Teens Be Kind To Others

Siblings can be very unkind to each other. As a parent, it can be hard to know what to do. Help is here! Try the following exercise with your children and teenagers, and spouse, if needed.

HOW TO BE KIND TO OTHERS WORKSHEET

Directions: Answer the following and discuss before watching TV, using the telephone, or other activity. n

When I said:nn_________________________________________________________________________________________ n[inappropriate comment child/teen made]

1. I was (mark all that apply): nn__ Blamingn__ Criticizingn__ Threateningn__ Accusingn__ Generalizingn__ Giving an order or commandn__ Showing little conce
of other’s needsn__ Showing unwillingness to compromise or find solutionsn__ Insulting, name-calling, mocking, being sarcasticn__ Other:

2. When I said the above comment, I was probably feeling:nn__ Tiredn__ Rushedn__ Impatientn__ Annoyedn__ Other: _______________________________

3. When I said the above comment, others probably felt: nn__ Angry n__ Hurt n__ Sad n__ Rejected n__ Scared n__ Frustrated n__ Shocked n__ Other:_______________________________ nn. . . and they are not likely to want to (check all that apply): nn__ Do the following for me: ____________________________________ nn__ Help me: ____________________________________________________ nn__ Other: ______________________________________________________

4. Instead of making the above comment, I could have said: nn__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. I would have been less likely to make the above comment if others had approached me by saying:nn__________________________________________________________________________________________

6. If others say I made the above comment and I deny it, the following are possible: nn__ Being corrected makes me feel bad. n__ I have an evil twin. n__ I am not aware of my words and behavior. n__ Others are hallucinating. n__ I am trying to avoid dealing with it.

7. When I don’t admit mistakes I make, others feel: nn__ Frustrated n__ Angry n__ Confused n__ Distrustful n__ Other: _______________________________

8. When I admit mistakes, others feel:nn__ Relieved n__ Trustful n__ Proud of me n__ Other: _______________________________