Teaching preschoolers to speak up for themselves, or “self-advocate,” is a parent’s responsibility. It is a gift that builds confidence and independence in your child. By encouraging your child to express their needs, feelings, and preferences, you’re helping them learn valuable life skills—even at a young age!
Below are five tips to help your preschoolers speak up for themselves.
1. Help Them Recognize Their Feelings
Understanding emotions is the first step for children to voice their needs. When children can identify their feelings, they are one step closer to being able to express themselves.
Name the Feeling: Use clear, simple language to describe their emotions. For instance, say, “I see you’re feeling sad because your toy broke,” or “You seem happy because your friend is here.” This helps them understand and label their emotions.
Ask About Their Day: Ask gentle questions like, “How did you feel at school today?” or “What made you happy (or sad) today?” Helping them become aware of different emotions and start expressing them.
Fun Activity: Emoticons are a great way to help your children recognize and express emotions.