How to ask adults for help

Kids, If you are facing a problem and cannot fix it on your own it is not a bad idea to ask an adult for help. Naturally, you might not trust anyone for that matter, however if you feel you must talk then find a right person whom you trust the most to share your fear/thoughts.

How talking to an adult helps?

Talking and expressing with adults often helps. It is better to express yourself loudly. It boosts your confidence and you will realize that you don’t need to face the world alone. Adults with their experience might be able to look at your problem differently and could give you new ideas on how to cope up with the problems. They might have gone through similar experiences themselves and might know what exactly they must do. Or they might direct you to someone who can help you with the matter.

Finding the right adult to talk to;

Always approach an adult whom you can trust and feel safe with. It might be a:

Parent, family member, friend’s parents, grandparents, teacher, your doctor, school counsellor or nurse, neighbor, coach or religious leader.

Always remember when you need help;

• Choose someone you feel safe with
• Plant what you want to say about – be clear, be prepared
• Request for a time to talk, a good time to talk about the subject so that the person will not be distracted
• You have control over how much you want to say and what you want to say. However be clear with your with the facts that your reveal

Preparation:

• Planning what you want to say help you feel ready to start talking.
• Note down your thoughts in points.
• Do you want to say it all? Or you want to reveal some facts related ot the matter?
• Give proper examples and explain how you feel.
• Identify your subject and why it is important to talk to.

 Practice:

• Go over what you want to express and say.
• Practice in front of a mirror or just talk to yourself to be clear.
• To feel confident, first be clear to yourself.
• Your goal is to express yourself properly so that you get help and advice.
• Be assertive and be clear.

Find right time to talk;

• Ask the person what time is best time to talk. You should also be ready mentally to talk.
• Try to get a time when the adult won’t be too busy or about to rush off to some place.
• If you are talking to your parents, make sure they are not doing something like cooking, cleaning or helping someone.
• You should feel important when you talk to the person. If they are distracted, you may feel neglected. So find out a time when both of you can really sit and talk.

When you express yourself:

• Be honest and be true to yourself
• Try to understand adults point of view – ask question or clarify your doubts

The goal here is to find a solution to your problem and getting help. Prepare and express yourself clearly and you might be able to address the situation and solve the problem.

References:

• www.werindia.com
• https://www.childline.org.uk
• https://www.mentalhealth.gov

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