Keys to Connecting with Relationship-Resistant Children

Real Talk For Real Teachers By Conscious Discipline

Research shows that positive student-teacher relationships result in a more productive learning environment, improved peer relationships and increased academic achievement. However, the children most in need of connection are often the most relationship-resistant. Conscious Discipline gives educators the tools to see these children in a positive light, be present with them, find common ground and ultimately build a relationship that jumpstarts learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Listen in on a conversation between Dr. Becky Bailey and educational consultant Brooke Haberle to learn how Brooke has successfully put these concepts into practice. Brooke shares inspiration, success stories and key tips for connecting with challenging and relationship-resistant children. Essential Takeaways • Children with challenging behaviors need someone to see them differently. They want to feel seen, heard and understood. Making the conscious choice to see every child as capable and precious is an essential first step. • At first, Brooke doubted that Conscious Discipline would work with challenging children. Still, she began celebrating small successes, providing encouragement and affirmation, and finding common ground to build connections. She was amazed and overjoyed with the relationships she built and the transformation she saw. • Brooke recommends starting by noticing relationship-resistant children. Notice the child themselves, and notice all successes. • Next, find their interests and meet them there. As the child begins to open up, you can gradually build a relationship and open the door to learning. • When learning Conscious Discipline, approach new concepts with curiosity and playfulness. • Study the concepts, internalize them, and play with them in ways suited to particular children and situations. Important Links • ConsciousDiscipline.com (https://consciousdiscipline.com/) • Conscious Discipline Events (https://consciousdiscipline.com/professional-development/events/) • Webinar: Guiding the Most Challenging Children with Master Instructor Jill Molli (https://consciousdiscipline.com/e-learning/webinars/guiding-the-most-challenging-children/) • Article: Creating the Habit of Noticing by Certified Instructor Jenny Spencer (https://consciousdiscipline.com/creating-the-habit-of-noticing/) Product Mentions • Powers of Resilience: SEL for Adults Online Course (https://consciousdiscipline.com/e-learning/powers-of-resilience-sel-for-adults/) • Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Classrooms (Expanded & Updated) (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/the-new-conscious-discipline-book-expanded-updated/)  • I Love You Rituals Value Pack (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/i-love-you-rituals-digital- value-pack/)  • Rituales Amorosos (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/rituales-amorosos/) Show Outline 0:52 What is Conscious Discipline? 1:12 Introduction of topic and guest 1:53 Importance of student-teacher relationships 2:25 Join Dr. Bailey in conversation with guest Brooke Haberle 2:42 Brooke explains her role 3:12 Brooke’s introduction to Conscious Discipline 4:41 Example of using Conscious Discipline with relationship-resistant child (middle school) 8:47 Keys to building connection 9:18 Example of using Conscious Discipline with relationship-resistant child (younger) 12:28 Key Tip #1: Noticing 13:43 Key Tip #2: Find their interests 15:09 Approaching Conscious Discipline with curiosity and playfulness 16:57 What’s Becky up to? 17:34 What’s Becky celebrating? THANK YOU FOR LISTENING There are many ways you could have spent this time today, but you chose to spend it with me and I am grateful. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it with others via your favorite social media platforms.