|
The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
|---|
|
The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
|---|
The Crisis Communication Guide When things are not going well with your child, when all of your attempts to resolve disagreements seem to produce more disagreements, you may want to take a time out. Communicate according to the guide noted below. Then stop and take some time to cool off. Return to the discussion later when both you and your child are in a better frame of mind. This communication guide has been modified from earlier versions of "intervention" communication rules. This process usually works; however, you really need to follow the steps exactly as they are noted. 1) Express (in an empathic and compassionate way) love and concern to your child. Look her/him in the eyes and while face-to-face tell him/her how much you care, how much you love her/him. Note a couple very specific good traits/strengths you really appreciate. 2) State the facts – only the facts (no interpretations or suspected behaviors) – about which you are concerned. Use I Statement so that YOU own the concern, the worry, the sleepless nights. 3) Now add your emotional reactions to both items above. Stay calm, empathic and compassionate. Anger will kill this process! Explain in detail how you feel and what you think when you are concerned about the specific behavior. 4) Now summarize all three items above – your love and acceptance; your statement of facts; and, your emotional reactions about your loving concern and his/her behaviors. Note firmly, but not too powerfully, exactly what you want from your child. Be very specific. Be very reasonable. 5) If this approach cools things off, stop now. Rest and cool off for a while. Return to your discussion when you and your child both feel ready to do so. |
