Keystone Kids!
Events · For Kids · For Parents
What do I do now?

Sometimes situations come up that make you instantly say, "OH NO, what do I do now?" Here are some sample situations and some suggestions of how to handle them. If you have other problem situations and you don't know what to do, just write us an e-mail and we'll come up with some new ideas!

#1. What do I say to other kids so they will want to be my friend?

    · Learn to tell appropriate, funny jokes. Everyone likes to be around someone who makes him or her laugh.
    · Give genuine compliments or thanks for help.
    · Be a good listener.
    · Complain about teachers and homework, parents, brothers, sisters, etc. like you hear other kids doing. Kids like to be around other kids who share the same ideas and problems.
    · Keep your unique and special talents and qualities. Don't fall into the trap of only doing what others say. Be a leader and let your good ideas be heard.

#2. I get so embarrassed when I drop stuff or get lost. What do I do?

    · Humor is the easiest way to smoother over most embarassing situations. If you make fun of yourself or the situation (do not make fun of others unless it is understood as good natured teasing, though!), then everyone will laugh and the tension will dissolve away.

    · For example: at lunch, Mary knocks her milk over and it spills. OH NO!! How embarassing. Mary could:

    1. Say nothing, do nothing and let everyone else handle the problem.
    2. Grab napkins and try to clean up while saying something like, "Mary the Klutz strikes again!"
    3. Start to cry.

    The best choice would probably be 2.

    If Mary just sits and does nothing or begins to cry, everyone will be embarassed and uncomfortable. Soon, the table will be empty and Mary will be alone. Kids will not think its fun to sit with Mary.

    However, if Mary at least attemps to clean up her mess and jokes at the same time, no one will be uncomfortable (even sighted kids spill sometimes. They usually joke about it when it happens, too). Other kids will appreciate that mary makes them feel good even in awkward situations. Generous amounts of "Thank Yous" will also be a good thing.

    · Another example: John was going to the office to get some suplpies for the teacher. Even though he was using his cane and he knew the school halls well, he made a wrong turn and ended up in the wrong hall. OH NO!! How embarassing. John could:

    1. Continue wandering around the halls until someone comes to look for him.
    2. Go outside and play
    3. Ask another kid in the hall which hall he is in and how to get to the office and make a funny comment like, "I think I had a brain cramp or something."

    · Number 3 is the best choice here. Once again, everyone has moments when they forget something familiar. We all "zone out" sometimes. Realizing that you've done that is okay and even funny, but YOU have to laugh at yourself first.

#3. I always have people helping me. Sometimes I need it and I want to say something other than 'Thank you'. What can I say?
    Here are a few suggestions:

    Thanks a million.
    You're so kind.
    You're a real friend.
    I appreciate your help so much.
    Thanks tons.
    What would I do without you?
    I owe you one! (then actually do something to help out that person)

#4. Sometimes, though, I DON'T need help and people still try to help me. How do I politely say 'No thanks'?
    Here are some suggestions for how to say "Get out of my face!" nicely (and be sure to say, "thanks anyway" after each phrase):

    I'm trying to be independent.
    My teacher says I have to do this by myself.
    I'm only visually impaired, I can still do (whatever it is) by myself.
    Let ME show you how I can do this all alone.
    No assistance necessary!
    This is a "no helping zone".