Situations

Adult Responses
(on blue index cards)

S-1. Dad, it's been a terrible day. Absolutely horrible—I really messed up!

R-1. Would you like to tell me about it? I'll just listen.

S-2. Look at what I made with my blocks and trucks and sticks!

R-2. You worked a long time to build your city and look at how you used every block.

S-3. I hate you!

R-3. I love you and feel very sad when you say that.

S-4. Mom, I don't know what to do. He says he will break up with me if I don't go all the way.

R-4. What can I do to help you with this tough decision?

S-5. I can't believe that my teacher is giving me a "C" on my paper. I worked really hard and did everything he told me to do.

R-5. You sound very frustrated and disappointed? Is that right? Would you like to talk about it?

S-6. She is a good driver. She is careful and makes everyone wear a seatbelt. Can I ride to the lake with her?

R-6. I know I can trust you and you have good judgment.

S-7. Dad, look at me, look at me! I swam to the other side of the pool.

R-7. You are such a good swimmer and know how to be safe in the water.

S-8. You won't believe what she said and did to me. I'll never be her friend again!

R-8. You sound very angry with her. Is that right? Would you like to talk about it?

S-9. I hate him. He's such a dumb-dumb. I don't care if I ever play with him again.

R-9. Can you tell me more about what happened with him?

S-10. Your child comes home from school, slams the door shut, drops his/her clothes on the floor, kicks the cabinet, and turns on the TV.

R-10. You sit next to your child, hold his/her hand, look him/her in the eye, and then tell him/her that you would like to know why he/she is so angry.