Reacting to Disrespect & Think and Ask with Solving A Problem; Conflict Resolution 5

Reacting to Disrespect
At times children use disrespectful remarks, gestures and actions toward other children, their parents, teachers and other adults.  This can lead to verbal retaliation, which can also lead to fights.  The disrespect is usually done on purpose in order to upset others and to get a reaction from them.  Serious problems can occur that results in anger and aggression between people.  Ignore the disrespect in a non-confrontational manner; non-combative manner.  Even if the disrespect is a part of an angry outburst, you can learn to handle the situation in a way that prevents escalation of the matter.  Keep your cool when faced with disrespect.

Mini Story
Robert, who is larger than the other children in his grade, is hanging around the school gate before school starts.  Ernest is walking towards the gate, and comes face to face with Robert.  Robert steps in front of Ernest and says sarcastically, "Errrrr-Nessst, did your mommy pick out your clothes!"  Ernest is tired of being teased because of his name.  The kids are constantly teasing him about his name because they think it's a sissy name.  Ernest has had enough and is ready to give back what he has been put through.  He clenches his fists and opens his mouth to speak.

Think About It

1. How did Robert show disrespect to Ernest?
2. What did Robert want to happen?
3. What do you think Ernest will say or do?
4. What could happen as a result of what Ernest says or does?
5. Is there anything Ernest could do to handle his reaction that will prevent verbal or physical actions.


Think and Ask Yourself
Solving A Problem
Go over Think and Ask yourself, and Solving a Problem.  Scroll down to find roll plays and act out following the guidelines of the chart.  Parent/teacher demonstrates the first role play.

e

Role Play Rules: Adult decides skit.  Absolutely NO negative comments or inappropriate laughter from the audience.  After skit is over, others clap.

1. Your child/student comes in the room and address's you, "Hey dude what's goin on."  The child/student has already been warned in the past not to address you in this manner.

2. When nervous Amanda stutters.  When Amanda starts to stutter, Kimberly starts to mimic her and then the rest of the children laugh.

3. Jacob had been very sick, and when he returned to school he was not able to play active games.  As the boys were playing soccer, Jacob stood on the sideline and watched.  Every time the boys got close to Jacob, they called him a baby since he couldn't play.

4. Lori is a very smart girl and tries hard, but because she learns differently than the rest of the children, she struggles with school work.  Because Lori goes to the resource room for help, Nick calls her a retard.