Verbal Judo for Kids

Being Asked to Share Personal Items: What is the verbal judo response to handle a request to share personal items?

• Saying, 'No way! This is mine and you can't have it!'

• Ignoring the request and pretending not to hear.

• 'I really like this, but I'm not comfortable sharing it. How about we find something else to play with together?'

Handling Peer Pressure: What is the verbal judo response to handle peer pressure?

• Giving in to peer pressure and doing something you know is wrong.

• Ignoring your friends and refusing to participate in any activities.

• 'I appreciate the invite, but I'm not comfortable doing that. How about we find something else fun to do together?'

Being Left Out of a Group Activity: What is the verbal judo response to being left out of a group activity?

• Getting upset and saying mean things to the group.

• Walking away without trying to join in.

• 'I'd love to join in too! Can I play with you guys?'

Disagreeing with a Friend's Idea: What is the verbal judo response to handle a disagreement with a friend's idea?

• Saying, 'That's a dumb idea! Mine is better!'

• Ignoring your friend's idea and doing your own thing.

• 'I see why you like that idea, but I was thinking we could try something different. How about we combine our ideas and make something even cooler?'

Resolving a Conflict with a Sibling: What is the verbal judo response to resolve a conflict with a sibling?

• Tattling to parents without trying to talk it out first.

• Getting physical and pushing or hitting back.

• 'I'm upset that you took my book without asking. Can we talk about it and find a way to share our things better in the future?'

Dealing with a Disagreement during a Game: What is the verbal judo response to resolve a disagreement during a game?

• Accusing others of cheating and storming off.

• Refusing to continue playing until everyone agrees with you.

• 'I think there might be a misunderstanding. Let's talk about the rules together and figure out how to keep playing fair and fun for everyone.'

Responding to Criticism: What is the verbal judo response to criticism?

• Getting defensive and making excuses.

• Sulking and refusing to talk.

• 'I hear what you're saying, and I'll try to do better next time. Thanks for letting me know.'

Dealing with Teasing: What is the verbal judo response to handle teasing?

• Getting angry and calling names back.

• Running away and hiding.

• 'I know you're just joking, but it hurts my feelings when you say that. Let's find something else fun to talk about!'

Dealing with a Classmate Cutting in Line: What is the verbal judo response to handle a classmate cutting in line?

• Pushing them out of the way and cutting back.

• Complaining loudly to others about the line cutter.

• 'Hey, the line starts back there. Let's take turns, and I'll make sure everyone gets a fair chance to go next.'

Sharing Toys: What is the verbal judo response to encourage sharing a toy?

• Yelling, 'No! It's mine! Go away!'

• Grabbing the toy and refusing to share.

• 'I understand you really want to play with this toy. How about we take turns? You can play with it first, and then I'll have a turn.'