It might seem overwhelming when you think of making a major change to your behavior when you have been doing something a certain way for a long time. Why don't you first try making a list of all the issues you want to try being assertive about and then prioritize them in order of importance, let's say, making one the most important one, going down from there? Consider tackling the first three first.

It's always helpful to start assertive statements with "I messages." For example, " I would prefer that you not watch TV when you are caring for my child." It is hard for another person to argue with an "I message."

There are so many other techniques that can be helpful to you that would take too long to go into here. Please consider signing up for an assertiveness training course. It may help you to be more assertive at this time in your life now that you are sticking up for more than just your rights. You are sticking up for the rights of your child, as well. Good luck.

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