Social Health Skills

Communication Skills Clearly say what you mean Pay attention to how you say something Be a good listener Be aware of your facial expressions and gestures

Refusal Skills Say no Explain why you are refusing Suggest alternatives to the proposed activity Back up your words using body language Leave if necessary

Mental and Emotional Health Skills

Self esteem issues Self-esteem has been compared to a bucket of water. It starts out full when we're born, but whenever we develop negative beliefs about ourselves, it's like poking little holes in that bucket and our self-esteem drips out. Brainstorm a list of things we do or say to ourselves or to others that pokes holes in the self-esteem bucket.

Self Esteem List two things you don’t like about yourself or you feel could be improved. List two things about you that are fabulous Compare the two lists, which was more difficult to do? Who do you thing influences the way you feel about yourself the most, why?

Building Self-Esteem Use positive self talk Act with integrity Choose supportive friends Accept yourself

Self esteem Benefits of good self esteem Increased self respect Increased ability to reach goals Increased willingness to try Increased feelings of value Risks of low self esteem Insecure Vulnerable to peer pressure Doesn’t feel valued Feels depressed More prone to drug and alcohol use Destructive behavior

Stress Management Skills Re channel your energy Relax Laugh Share problems with others

How to enhance your self esteem Read aloud & write down the 2 you feel are most important Spend time with people who like you and care about you. Ignore (and stay away from) people who put you down or treat you badly. Do things that you enjoy or that make you feel good. Be your own best friend - treat yourself well and do things that are good for you. Make good choices for yourself, and don't let others make your choices for you. Take responsibility for yourself, your choices, and your actions. Always do what you believe is right. Be true to yourself and your values. Respect other people and treat them right

Writing Assignment Imagine that some day you will have a child. Write a letter for that child to open when he or she reaches the age you are right now. Tell the child how you felt about yourself at this age and how those feelings changed from elementary school to high school. Tell this child about the kinds of things you experienced that made you feel bad about yourself and about the things that made you feel good about yourself. Finally, offer some advice that will help your child have good self esteem at this age and throughout life. One page finish for HW.