Psychologists share phrases to help parents teach children assertiveness

Psychologists suggest that teaching children assertiveness is a vital skill for navigating challenges such as peer pressure, bullying, and interpersonal conflicts. According to child psychologist Ann Louise Lockhart, assertiveness allows children to express their needs and set boundaries confidently without resorting to aggression.

Learning these skills in childhood helps children express emotions openly and build healthier relationships in both personal and professional life during adolescence and adulthood. Experts recommend several key phrases to help children establish boundaries:

• ‘I don’t like that! Please stop!’: A clear way to set a boundary without blaming or shaming others. • ‘That is not okay’: A simple, decisive phrase that encourages others to respect boundaries. • ‘No, thank you’: Helps maintain boundaries and respect when under pressure, reminding the child they do not owe an explanation. • ‘I would rather try something else’: Teaches children to propose alternatives when rejecting an unpleasant situation. • ‘I need time to think’: Helps children avoid impulsive decisions when facing peer pressure.