For young people
How do I ask for help when I don't want to?
Start with one sentence, not a whole speech. Once a conversation starts it gets easier, and problems usually shrink once they're shared.
First sentences you can use
- To a teacher: "Could I grab five minutes? I'm a bit stuck on something."
- To a coach: "Can I ask you something? I'd like your perspective."
- To a parent: "I don't need a solution, I just want to talk something through."
A simple rule
If something has been sitting in your head for more than a day and you haven't told anyone, that's a signal to say it out loud. Not to fix it straight away, just to share it.
If finding the words is hard
You don't need perfect words. "I'm finding this a bit difficult and could use some help" is enough.
From Chapter 2, "Asking for Help Is a Power Move".
Quick answers
Is asking for help a sign of weakness?
No. The book calls it a power move.
What if it's something serious?
Talk to a trusted adult, or contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, any time.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.