Adults Can Help
Here's What To Do
1
As your child is engaged in new or challenging tasks, remind them that it’s OK to ask for help.
2
When you help, don’t take over the task.
3
Instead, provide just enough help so they can continue or complete the task independently or with limited help.
4
When possible, ask your child for help too, and acknowledge when you notice others asking for, or providing help.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Take a few deep breaths together, or use your child’s favorite calming strategy if they need help regulating their feelings.
E
Engage:
- “I am always here to help. You can say “help me please” or show me.”
- Teach your child American Sign Language for “help” so they can communicate when they can’t speak or don’t want to. Make a “thumbs-up” sign with your dominant hand. Place it on the open palm of your non-dominant hand. Then move both hands upwards.
E
Encourage:
- When possible, ask your child guiding questions, or provide hints, clues or strategies to help them. “What do you think would happen if you ___?”
- “You are really focusing and trying your best. What do you notice? Could you try ___?”
R
Reflect:
- “Why is it important to ask for help when you need it?”
Not quite ready?
If your child isn’t ready to ask for help, use the sign and simple words to ask for help. They do not have to repeat your words. “You can say, “Help me ___ please.””
Ready for more?
Encourage your child to ask peers and siblings for help too.
As your child masters this skill...
They will ask adults for help to complete tasks