“He’s just naughty” said the teacher. “The teacher hates my child” thought the parents. Have you ever felt the sting of judgement about your child or your teaching? How do you transform judgement into trust to rebuilt the sacred family-school relationship?

Here's how: You ask for help, and you benefit from an objective expert who can observe, reflect, and make recommendations. I am that help, and this is the story of how judgement transformed into trust that benefited a little learner, his family, a teaching team, and the whole class.

It started with "tell me more." These simple words transformed judgement into trust for concerned parents and overwhelmed teachers. The parents told me about the negative feedback they were hearing about their child and the doubts they had about the quality of education he was receiving. The teachers told me how overwhelmed and frustrated they were and how it was impacting the whole class. Feeling heard and understood reassured the parents that their child had an advocate and empowered the teachers with nonjudgmental support. 

I observed in the classroom, and as the teachers "told me more," we redefined "naughty" as the specific behavior of running away. What sounded like judgement about the child was actually concern from the teachers about keeping their precious little learner safe. That’s a big difference!

With this transformative mindset, we examined patterns of when and where running away happened. It was all about transitions. Walking in the hallway felt like a disaster, and it was impacting the whole class. The teachers and I worked together to create a plan to prevent running away and redirect it if and when it happened. The teachers brainstormed ideas such as making the child line leader, caboose, door holder, or backpack helper and having one teacher walk beside the child or hold their hand. They had the solutions and just needed support to see it!

The results were amazing for everyone! Consulting in school transformed the family-school relationship. The little learner had the support he needed, and the whole class enjoyed smoother transitions. The teachers had the enthusiasm and confidence they craved and became more constructive communicators. The parents started hearing more positive feedback that rebuilt their faith in the school. There were even thank you notes going around!

Consulting in schools is a win-win-win for families, teachers, and administrators. See how consulting in schools can transform your family-school relationship at www.learnplaygrowconsulting.com/services.

Join the Learn Play Grow newsletter to receive your FREE Power of Play Guide, and follow Learn Play Grow on Facebook and Instagram.

Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. is a dynamic educator passionate about helping young children with diverse abilities and their families connect, communicate, and learn with confidence through play-based enrichment, customized parent coaching, and developmental support offered virtually, in home, in school, and in the community.