Get to the Point
When working with children and youth from hard places, caregivers can improve communication by keeping sentences short and simple and preventing long, drawn-out conversations. Try these ideas for quickly getting to the point.
When you notice they are getting triggered:
“I just want to check in” or “How can I support you?”
When you notice their energy levels rising:
“Hold up” or “What is happening?” or “I feel an energy shift”
When they are having a relationship or internal struggle:
“How can we work it out?” or “What is here in this/your space?”
When you notice they are becoming red in the face or having big emotions:
“Breathe it out” or “Take a minute”
When they are struggling for control:
“Let’s make a deal” or “What is your recommendation? Let’s negotiate”
When you want to check in on your relationship with them:
“We good?” or “I sense a new energy—do you notice it?”
When they are struggling to make a decision:
“Let’s think it through” or “What are some options?” or “If you had a magic wand, what would you do?”
When they are being unkind to themselves or others:
“Is that kind?” or “Are you asking or telling?”