Assertiveness | By: Committee for Children Better for school Assertiveness can help children thrive academically, socially, and personally. Bridgid Normand, a senior program developer at Committee for Children, tells us in her February, 2010 blog that this it is important academically because many students will often not speak up when they don’t understand something. Socially, assertiveness is associated with self-confidence and reduced interpersonal conflict . Personally, when people feel more comfortable expressing themselves, anxiety lessens. Better for life The benefits of assertiveness skills go beyond the school setting. Medical and health professionals also recognize the importance of this skill set, reporting that it can help with stress management, anger management, coping skills, self-esteem and personal satisfaction. To further support the teaching of assertiveness skills, try some of these literature extensions: Ages 4 to 7 Hey Little Ant (by Phillip Hoose) : A little ant tries to talk his way out of being squished. Squashed in The Middle (by Elizabeth Winthrop): Daisy is a middle child who wants to be heard by family members. She feels no one listens to her. Ages 7 and Up Allie Finkel’s Rules for Girls: Best Friends and Drama Queens (by Meg Cabot; part of a series.): Allie is excited there is a new girl at school named Cheyenne. When Cheyenne starts telling everyone what to do and calling them babiesif they don’t follow along, Allie has to figure out what to do. Cinderella: As if You Didn’t Already Know the Story (by Barbara Ensor): This book adds a new twist to the traditional Cinderella story. After marrying the prince, Cinderella learns how to help improve her country, and how to not let others push her around anymore. The Mouse, The Monster and Me (by Pat Palmer): The author uses mouse (meek) and monster (aggressive) analogies to teach students assertiveness. Learning to become assertive takes time and practice, but the benefits show it is definitely worth the effort!