Be Assertive
CONCEPT: Understanding You and PKU
BRIEF SUMMARY
Participants complete a worksheet, discussing what it means to be assertive and how it relates to managing PKU.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- describe what it means to be assertive
- state why it is important for someone who has PKU to be assertive
- identify assertive responses and/or actions to different situations (when given various scenarios)
METHODS
Distribute the worksheet "Be Assertive!" Participants complete the worksheet on their own.
Lead a discussion about assertiveness, going through the worksheet.
- What does it mean to be assertive? Assertive means to be confident, bold, and self-assured. It is the ability to express our thoughts in a direct, honest, and appropriate way. What other definitions did the participants come up with?
- Why is it important for someone who has PKU to be assertive?
- Describe a time that you have been assertive? How did it go? How did you feel?
- Discuss the remainder of the worksheet.
Practice Scenarios
Mix up the slips of paper with the various situations. Have each participant choose one. They read the scenario out loud and describe what they would do. Discuss their response. Are there any other ideas for possible actions or solutions?
A related handout for parents is available.
MATERIALS
Be Assertive! worksheet - Pencils
- Various situations (separate each situation by cutting them apart, so you have one per slip of paper)
- Parent handout.
HOME ACTIVITIES
Plan ahead for social and group activities. With a plan in place, your child will be able to enjoy the event without worry. Additional information for parents is available here.