Teaching your child to speak up for themselves is an important skill – and it’s never too early to start. Building self-advocacy skills can help your child feel more confident, safer, and more included at school and in life.
Start early
You can begin even when your child is very young. Give them simple choices, encourage them to express their likes and dislikes, and listen closely when they do.
Small steps
Self-advocacy doesn’t happen overnight. Praise your child when they speak up, even in small ways, and build their confidence over time.
Model self-advocacy
Show your child how you advocate for yourself and for them. Whether it’s asking questions at a meeting or speaking up when something isn’t right, children learn a lot by watching the adults in their lives.
Opportunities to speak up
School Student Support Group (SSG) meetings can be a great place for your child to practice. They might attend the first 10 minutes to share what they like about school and what would help them learn and feel safe.
Personal safety
Understanding personal safety is also part of self-advocacy. A wonderful resource for young children is the picture book Everyone’s Got a Bottom by Tess Rowley. It’s designed for children aged 3 to 8 and helps parents start conversations about bodies, safety, and consent.
By starting early and supporting small steps, you’re helping your child build lifelong skills for speaking up, being heard, and staying safe.
Useful links
Student Voice and Disability Inclusion
How to make a complaint
Advocating for your child