Wellbeing

Helping students find their voice

As children grow, learning to express their needs, ask for help and speak up when something feels wrong is an important part of developing independence. This is called self-advocacy.

At school, this might mean asking a teacher to explain an instruction, telling a friend they feel uncomfortable or seeking adult help with a problem. Families can help children build these skills through small, everyday opportunities.

Try these ideas at home:

• Listen to their views. Give your child time to explain what matters to them and what support they need.
• Practise together. Role-play asking for help or explaining a concern before a tricky conversation.
• Offer manageable choices. Everyday decisions help children practise expressing preferences.
• Build confidence gradually. Your child might begin by speaking with a teacher while you are beside them.
• Recognise their efforts. Acknowledge when they communicate a need or ask for support.

You could practise simple phrases together, such as “Please explain that again”, “I need some help getting started” or “I don’t like that. Please stop.”

Speaking up respectfully also means listening to others and respecting their feelings and perspectives. If a situation involves bullying or raises safety concerns, it is important for children to seek support from a trusted adult.

The Wellbeing Team