Healthy Communication Skills Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds: Expressing Needs, Wants, and Feelings

Instructions

Read the information below and complete the activities to learn how to express your needs, wants, and feelings in healthy ways.

Healthy Ways to Express Needs, Wants, and Feelings

Everyone has needs, wants, and feelings, and it's important to express them in a healthy manner. Here are some tips:

• Use "I" Statements: When expressing your feelings, use statements that start with "I." For example, say "I feel sad when..." instead of blaming others.
• Be Honest but Respectful: It's important to be truthful about what you're feeling, but do so while being kind to others.
• Choose the Right Time: Find a time when you and the other person can talk calmly, away from distractions.
• Practice Active Listening: Show that you’re listening by nodding and summarizing what the other person says before sharing your own thoughts.
• Use Non-Verbal Cues: Sometimes, how you say something is just as important as what you say. Use facial expressions and body language that match your message.

Activity 1: "I" Statements

Rewrite the following sentences using "I" statements:

1. “You never listen to me!”
2. “I hate doing homework!”
3. “You always take my things!”

Your responses:

1. I feel _______________________ when you don’t listen to me.
2. I feel _______________________ about doing homework.
3. I feel _______________________ when you take my things.

Activity 2: Role Play

Imagine a situation where you need to express a want to a friend or family member. Write a short paragraph describing the situation, what you want, and how you would use the tips listed above to express it.

Your role play scenario:

Situation: ________________________________________________________

What you want: __________________________________________________

How you would express it: _________________________________________

Activity 3: Reflection

Think about a time when you expressed your feelings or needs. How did it go? What would you do differently next time? Write your thoughts below:

Experience: ______________________________________________________

How it went: _____________________________________________________

What I would do differently: _______________________________________