H ow to teach "I" statements

What is it?
Most of time, kids don't fight fair because they don't know how to
communicate their emotions. This easy statement gives them the tools to
communicate how they feel, what made them upset and how they would
like the situation to change.

What age can I teach this?

Teach this if your child is aged 3 or older Choose a time when your child
is calm.

How do I teach it?

You say: You know how sometimes you feel really mad and you feel like
screaming? (Wait for child to agree). Let's try something new whenever
you feel that way.

Pretend you are playing toys with your sister and she takes your toy away.
You are mad!!

I want you to tell Sissy, "I feel mad when you take my toy and I want you to
give it back, please"

Let's practice. Pretend your sister took your jump rope. You would say,
"Sissy, I feel (ask child how he would feel) when you (ask child to explain
what his sister did) and I would like you to (ask child what he would like his
sister to do).

Awesome!! Let's repeat that entire sentence together. (And you repeat)."
When do I use it?
Next time you notice your child getting upset, coach them through an "I"
statement and act from there. Say each line, have them fill in the blank
and then ask them to repeat it.

If your child is too upset already, move on to strategies found in the post, 5
Positive Ways to React To Your Grumpy Kid.

I feel ...
when you ...
and I want you to...
This will take a few times for your child to master. Be patient, consistent
and I guarantee that you will see a change in the way your kids fight.

The best way to teach I statements is by using them yourself. Here is a

cheat sheet for you and your kids on how to use I statements in common
scenarios.