 The exchange of information through the use of words or actions

 Expressing feelings, thoughts, or experiences with words, either by speaking or writing

 Getting messages across without using words

 Postures, gestures, and facial expressions

 1. Think about what you want to say before you say it  2. Use “I” messages to express your thoughts, feelings, needs, and expectations

 3. Use tact..Avoid being rude or insulting  4. Make clear, simple statements. Be specific. Use examples when you express ideas or suggestions

 The sense of what to do or say to avoid offending others

 Think of a tactful way to respond in each situation. Remember, using tact means you are still honest, but you use your words carefully to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.  1. For Christmas, your grandmother gives you a sweatshirt which you think is ugly. She asks how you like it. What should you say?  2. You are watching TV and the phone rings. Your mom answers it and tells you it’s Jane. You don’t like Jane and don’t want to talk to her. What should you say?  3. Your friend gets a new baby sister and you think it is the ugliest baby you’ve ever seen. Your friend asks you, “Isn’t she the cutest?” What should you say?  4. Your teacher is walking down the hallway with a piece of trash stuck to her shoe heel. What should you say?  5. Your friend has been talking for 10 minutes with a big piece of broccoli stuck between his teeth. What should you say?  6. You are visiting your friend’s house and your friend’s mom serves liver and onions for dinner, which you think is disgusting. What should you say?

 Use body language to show you are listening: look them in the eyes, nod your head  Take advantage of pauses: “Really” or “Tell me more about that”

 Do not interrupt: if you don’t understand politely ask questions to understand  When possible, mirror what you hear: rephrase what you hear and be sympathetic to feelings

 Advantages of writing:  You can make changes before you send your message  Disadvantage:  If your message isn’t clear the receiver can’t always ask what you meant

 The basic unit of society and includes two or more people joined by blood, marriage, adoption or a desire to support one another

 A couple – two adults living together  Nuclear family – a husband & wife and their child or children  Blended family – one stepparent, one parent, and one or more children

 Single-parent family – one parent and one or more children  Extended family – parents, children, and other family members such as grandparents

 Helps you develop beliefs and values  Helps influence decisions you make  The type of activities you participate in  The foods you eat  Help you choose to not participate in risky behaviors

As children get older responsibilities change As you get older responsibilities change!!  Parent – providing a place to live, food, love and emotional support  Children – cooperate and respect parents, help with chores, help with younger siblings

 1. Show appreciation for each other (saying Thank You)  2. Support other family members  3. Spend quality time together (eat dinner together)  4. Communicate effectively

 5. Show responsibility – share work in the house equally  6. Show respect – respect each other’s privacy and things  7. Follow family rules – helps build trust

 1. Keep up normal routines  2. Talk openly about the change  3. Outside help may be needed from counselor or religious leader

 Moving  Divorce or remarriage  Job change/Job loss  Birth of sibling/adoption  Illness or injury  Death or loss

 A relationship with someone you know, trust, and regard with affection

 Someone you see occasionally or know casually  Some acquaintances can become good friends through time

 Teaches you to communicate  Teaches you to work out problems  Teaches you to compromise  Teaches you how to give others support  Teaches you how to share your life with others

 Trust – based on honesty  Caring – will listen and wants what is best for you  Respect – they won’t ask you to do anything that could hurt you  Loyalty – stay together in good times and bad

 The ability to accept other people as they are  You are respectful of a person’s individual differences, race or culture

 When both sides in a conflict agree to give up something in order to reach a solution that satisfies everyone  Find a way to “meet in the middle”

 When you would have to act against your values  When you might end up harming yourself or others  When it is against the law

 People close to you in age who are a lot like you  Peer pressure – the influence that your peer group has on you

NEGATIVEPOSITIVE  Encouraging acts against the law  Bribes, dares, or threats  Teasing/Name calling  Suggest you do the right thing  Encourage you to study more, stay away from drugs, volunteer

 Strategies that help you say no effectively

 The “STOP” Formula  Say no in a firm voice  Tell why not  Offer another idea  Promptly leave