Interactive Activities
Practice makes progress. Use these activities with your daughter to build confidence through real-world scenarios and guided conversations.
Scenario Cards
Discuss real-world situations together
The Persistent Friend
Your friend keeps asking to copy your homework. You've said no before, but they keep asking. How do you handle this without damaging the friendship?
The Interrupting Adult
You're telling a story at dinner and an adult keeps interrupting or talking over you. How do you handle this respectfully?
The New Student
A new student joins your class and sits alone at lunch. Some of your friends make comments about them. What do you do?
The Gossip Circle
Your friends start gossiping about another classmate. They look at you expecting you to join in. What do you say or do?
The Unfamiliar Food
You're at a friend's house for dinner and they serve something you've never seen before. It doesn't look appetizing to you. What do you do?
The Unfair Grade
You got a grade on a project that you think is unfair. You worked really hard and believe you deserved better. How do you approach your teacher?
Practice Scripts
Ready-to-use phrases for common situations
Setting Boundaries
Phrases for saying 'no' politely but firmly
When someone...
keeps asking to copy your homework
You can say:
"I'm not comfortable sharing my homework. I can help you understand the assignment if you want."
Tip: Offering an alternative shows you're willing to help, just not in a way that compromises your values.
When someone...
pressures you to do something you don't want to do
You can say:
"That's not something I want to do. Let's find something else we both enjoy."
Tip: You don't need to explain or justify your 'no.' A simple statement is enough.
When someone...
makes fun of something you like
You can say:
"I really enjoy it, and that's what matters to me."
Tip: You don't need to defend your interests. Owning them confidently often ends the teasing.
When someone...
keeps interrupting you
You can say:
"I'd like to finish my thought. Then I'd love to hear what you have to say."
Tip: This acknowledges their desire to speak while asserting your right to be heard.
Greetings & Introductions
Making great first impressions
When someone...
you meet a friend's parent for the first time
You can say:
"Hi, I'm [name]. It's nice to meet you. Thank you for having me over."
Tip: Making eye contact and using their name (if you know it) makes a great impression.
When someone...
an adult asks how school is going
You can say:
"It's going well, thank you for asking. I've been really enjoying [specific class or activity]."
Tip: Giving a specific detail shows you're genuinely engaging, not just giving a polite brush-off.
When someone...
you need to introduce yourself to a new group
You can say:
"Hi everyone, I'm [name]. I'm excited to be here."
Tip: Keep it simple. A smile and open body language do most of the work.
Speaking with Adults
Advocating for yourself respectfully
When someone...
you think a grade is unfair
You can say:
"I'd like to understand my grade better. Could we go over what I could improve?"
Tip: Asking to understand rather than demanding a change opens a productive conversation.
When someone...
you need to ask for help
You can say:
"I'm having trouble with this. Could you explain it a different way?"
Tip: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Be specific about what you need.
When someone...
you disagree with a rule or decision
You can say:
"I understand the rule, but I'm wondering if we could discuss why it's in place?"
Tip: Showing you understand before questioning demonstrates maturity and respect.
Reflection Prompts
Journal questions for deeper understanding
Self-Awareness
- 1
What does respect feel like to you?
- 2
When do you feel most confident?
- 3
What makes it hard to speak up sometimes?
Relationships
- 1
Who do you feel most comfortable being yourself around?
- 2
How do you show someone you care about them?
- 3
What does a good friend do?
Boundaries
- 1
What's something you wish you could say 'no' to more easily?
- 2
How do you feel when someone respects your boundaries?
- 3
What's the difference between being kind and being a pushover?
Growth
- 1
What's a social situation you'd like to handle better?
- 2
What's one thing you're proud of about how you treat others?
- 3
What would you tell a younger kid about being confident?