• About
  • Mini-Courses ▼

    Rhetoric for Kids

    • ASL for Kids – ABC Signs
    • MathLibs™ – Free for Over 2 Decades!
    • Art for Kids – Elements of Design
    • Art for Kids – Principles of Design
    • Rhetoric for Kids
    • Fitness Songs for Kids + Positive Music
  • Grab+Go Activities ▼

    Sign Language For Kids

    • View All Lessons + Activities
    • Taking it Offline
    • Sign Language for Kids
    • Art for Kids: Fun Art Projects
    • Fun Math
    • Fun Science
    • Rhetoric
    • Creative Writing
    • Wellness for Kids
    • Coloring Sheets
  • MathLibs™
  • ASL Resources
  • Wellness
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • About
  • Mini-Courses ▼
    • ASL for Kids – ABC Signs
    • MathLibs™ – Free for Over 2 Decades!
    • Art for Kids – Elements of Design
    • Art for Kids – Principles of Design
    • Rhetoric for Kids
    • Fitness Songs for Kids + Positive Music
  • Grab+Go Activities ▼
    • View All Lessons + Activities
    • Taking it Offline
    • Sign Language for Kids
    • Art for Kids: Fun Art Projects
    • Fun Math
    • Fun Science
    • Rhetoric
    • Creative Writing
    • Wellness for Kids
    • Coloring Sheets
  • MathLibs™
  • ASL Resources
  • Wellness
  • Shop
  • Contact
Previous Next

Social Emotional Learning – Moving Past “Difficult”

Posted by: Jessika Jake

social-emotional-learning-1

I haven’t intentionally been keeping a secret, but I feel as though am imparting one to you now. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve offered guidance that ended in the proclamation “You’re a genius” or saw a panel of interviewers’ eyes light up when they heard my answer to their hypothetical “difficult client” question.

The thanks goes to Jade, NYC, Virgin Records, and Ronald M. Shapiro, Mark A. Jankowski and, James Dale, authors of  Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People: How to Beat Them Without Joining Them.

bullies-tyrants-and-impossible-peopleJade and I had taken a trip to NYC. She was bummed that the Virgin Records store in Times Square was closing, so we popped by for one final visit. Everything had to go, and I found myself drawn to a small yellow book. I bought it and couldn’t put it down. I learned it, loved it, lived it from there, transforming my relationships with my clients.

Beyond work, I was able to apply what I learned to all of my relationships. This book is worth buying – and you should – so I will focus on one area you can share with your kiddles: the “Situationally Difficult” person.

Let’s say we are acquaintances. If we were both out for a stroll and came upon each other, we’d exchange pleasantries (pleasant people that we are) and go about our merry ways. But let’s say you were out and about and I accidentally dropped my anvil out the window, missing you by the hair on your chin (sorry, you have a hairy chin) and smashing the sidewalk in front of you. The exchange that ensues may not be as pleasant.

A typically pleasant client of mine was known to become difficult when certain situations arose. The wonderful trick I picked up is summarized as EAR. This worked with my client and also helped a mom-friend of mine who was dealing with a “difficult” child due to a sudden relocation, so I will use the latter case as the example. This was my advice:

Empathize:

I understand how hard it is to leave the house you grew up in.

It must be tough to have to soak this in so quickly.

That must really stink!

Ask:

What makes a “home” for you?

What things here can you bring? I bet you have a lot of things that make your “home” home and your room, your room.

What can you create in this new spot to create the perfect home?

Reassure: (without making any promises that you can’t keep)

I’m sure you’ll find  a way to stay close to all your friends.

I bet you’ll be able to visit.

My money is on you kiddo– I predict that everything will work out.

Whereas the book focuses on people who are being difficult towards you, this EAR technique can be used to help someone going through a difficult situation.

In addition to the “Situationally Difficult” person, the book covers two more types of difficult people: “The Strategically Difficult” person the “Truly” difficult person. Check out this book! It’s one of my favorites. Here’s a link, and it’s not even an affiliate link. 🙂

 

 

 

Share!
Tweet

Related Posts

Havening to the Rescue

Ever wish you had an easy way to reassure your kids (and yourselves) when emotions are strong? ...

The Power of Play: Using Play to Foster Emotional Healing and Development in Kids

Author Bio: Shauna Larson, a passionate mental wellness advocate. For the last five years, she ...
#asl for kids

Cut & Paste ASL Letters

Our Facebook friend Katrina just had a wonderful idea! She suggested that we create a PDF with ...

Kaleidoscope Tiles

It is fun and simple to make your own Kaleidoscope Art, aptly called Kaleidoscope Tiles! Y ...

Comments are closed.

"Creative experiences to motivate children to be lifelong learners, express their creativity, think critically, spread positivity, be well, and just plain have fun!"


Trending Now: ASL for Kids | Art for Kids | Rhetoric for Kids | MathLibs® | Coloring

“Roll Out” Tightness #Relax #Recover #Rejuvenate

Browse by Category:

Art for Kids: Fun Art Projects Brain Healthy Activities Coding Coloring Sheets Communication Community Helpers Creative Writing Critical Thinking DIY Crafts Emotional Wellness Fun Math Learn Spanish Positive Music for Kids Quotes in Cursive (D'Nealian Script) Rhetoric Sign Language For Kids Social Emotional Learning Social Wellness Taking it Offline We Recommend Wellness for Kids

Subscribe:

Latest Posts

  • Havening to the Rescue
  • MathLibs™ Addition Quiz 1
  • MathLibs™ Multiplication Quiz 2
  • The Power of Play: Using Play to Foster Emotional Healing and Development in Kids

Find Us on Facebook

KidCourses.com
© 1992-2018 kidCourses.com | All Rights Reserved
  • Press + Praise
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • A LoudGiraffe Project
  • Contact Us