Keys to Connecting with Relationship-Resistant Children

Real Talk for Real Teachers with Dr. Becky Bailey, Julie Ruffo and special guest Brooke Haberle

Episode Summary

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
• Conscious Discipline Events
• Webinar: Guiding The Most Challenging Children with Certified Instructor Jill Molli
• Article: Creating the Habit of Noticing by Certified Instructor Jenny Spencer

Product Mentions

• Powers of Resilience: SEL for Adults Online Course
• Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Classrooms (Expanded & Updated)
• I Love You Rituals Value Pack
• Rituales Amorosos

Show Outline

• :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

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On behalf of our Conscious Discipline family, we wish you well.