Even young children can learn basic assertiveness skills so they can stand up for themselves and not be overpowered by more aggressive friends. Show bossy children, who are often on their way to becoming bullies, the impact their behavior has on others.
Whenever Jamie and Kristen are together they have to play the games Kristen likes, no matter what Jamie says. When Jamie realizes that Kristen's ideas aren't better then hers, just different, she gains the confidence to stand up for herself.
Jake and Ricky are best friends, as long as Ricky gets his own way. When Ricky is forced to put himself in Jake's shoes, he realizes he would hate to be pushed around and apologizes to his friend.
As a treat, Emily's parents say she can invite Laura and Kyle to go with them to the zoo or the movies, whichever Emily prefers. Both friends are trying to talk her into doing what they want to do. Emily learns some basic assertiveness skills that enable her to speak up for herself without jeopardizing her friendships.
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