Parents, teachers, youth care-providers, I have a couple questions for you. How many times have you told your youngsters to “think outside the box”, or “don’t be scared to color outside the lines” as a way to get their creative juices flowing? Now, how often do you challenge yourself to “color outside the lines” when engaging with them. Too often we rely on set rules, traditional child-rearing methods, or routines in our best efforts to support their development. While it’s fair to say that some methods are time-tested, at some point we’ve gotta admit these new generation youngsters are built different! Methods that have work with some might not work for others! With that be said, it won’t hurt to consider trying things that are different from our “norm”. If we really want to be present for our youngsters, let’s start by taking inventory of our own limited perceptions about how we support them and not be anxious about embracing innovative approaches to serving our youngsters and meeting their needs. Remember apply what works best for your youngster.
Resources
6 Easy Ways to Build Relationships with Your Students https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/6-easy-ways-to-build-relationships-with-your-students1908.html
5 Ways to Build Positive Relationships with Young People https://www.developmentwithoutlimits.org/news/2021/8/25/5-ways-to-build-positive-relationships-with-young-people
21 Creative Consequences https://www.imom.com/21-creative-consequences/