Family Promise Teen WorkShop

Your best friend cancels plans last minute because they “just don’t feel like it.” You later find out they had a rough day at school. What’s the most empathetic text to send?

• “You’re always bailing on me.”

• “Okay, but next time tell me earlier.”

• “I get it. Want to talk about what happened?”

• “Fine, I’ll hang out with someone else.”

You post a funny picture of your friend without asking, and they’re upset. What’s the best first step?

• Say, “It’s not a big deal”

• Post more pictures

• Delete it and apologize

• Leave it up — “people already saw it”

Your parent comes home looking stressed. You need them to sign a field trip form. What’s the most empathetic way to start?

• “I can tell you’re tired — can I ask you after you’ve had a break?”

• • “Can you sign this now?”

• “I’ll just leave this here”

• “Forget it — you’re always busy.”

Your friend loses in a competition you just won. Which reaction shows empathy?

• • “You should’ve tried harder.”

• “You’ll get it next time.”

• “At least one of us won!”

• “I know you wanted to win too. Want to hang out later?”

You overhear classmates making fun of someone’s outfit. What’s the best empathetic action?

• Join in so you don’t get teased

• “That’s not cool”

• •  Ignore it completely

• Laugh quietly but feel bad

A new student just joined your class. They seem shy and don’t talk much. Some students ignore them, and others whisper about them. How could you show empathy to help them feel welcome? What might be hard about reaching out?

A friend is really excited about a hobby you don’t understand or care about. They want to tell you all about it. How can you show empathy and interest even if it’s not your thing?

Your teacher seems frustrated and short-tempered today. What’s an empathetic thought to have?

• “Maybe something’s going on for them today.”

• “They’re just mean.”

• “I’m going to make this harder for them.”

• “Not my problem.”

Your sibling is upset about a bad grade. Which response shows empathy?

• “Guess you should have tried harder.”

• “At least you’re not failing.”

• • “I know you worked hard. Want help studying next time?”

• “That’s not my problem.”