Start with good communication. Explain the importance of how to effectively communicate. Start with a basic explanation of how effective communication can allow a person to gain information, negotiate for a larger or more fair value, and connect with others. To demonstrate this, ask the person to speak forcefully with an attempt to achieve a specific goal. That goal can be to recover a missing pencil that is believed to be in your possession. To counter his goal, decide to only release the pencil when, and only when, you feel respected.
End the game and explain how you felt when faced with aggression. Reverse roles and then ask the student to explain his psychological response to your demands. Explain that it is easier to achieve one's goals with clear, effective and kind communication, rather than harsh, abrasive or destructive communication. Remind him to use active language that reinforces and affirms the goal. This is the way to strong and effective communication.
Explain the importance of responsibility. Teach the student that if he is to be responsible, he must first understand that every action has a consequence. Explain that he can take responsibility for his actions by first owning the consequences. To demonstrate this, ask the student to examine what would happen if the traffic lights stopped working without warning. Guide his thinking to include key concepts and phrases like, "many people rely on traffic lights and would find it difficult to travel without them." The key is to connect the student to the idea that he must always complete the chores, tasks and objectives he has made a commitment to complete. Connect that other people rely on him just as motorists rely on traffic lights.
Encourage older children and young adults to be self-sufficient. Set up a schedule for household chores, including laundry, house cleaning and organization. Explain that each person must learn to be self-sufficient and able to care for himself without the help of a second party. Learning to do one's laundry, clean up after one's self and care for one's possessions is the first step toward building strong life skills.
Teach the importance of truth. Explain that it is important to be honest in one's dealings with others. That means always communicating in an honest, efficient and kind manner. And, as one would imagine, avoid gossip, deceit, and ill will toward a second party. Perform a mock conversation that demonstrates how honesty should be used when dealing with others, even during the most challenging and difficult circumstances. Remind him that honesty is the best and only policy when it comes to effective communication.