According to the Search Institute's research, challenging growth means focusing "on the ways people seek to bring out the best in each other... challenging growth is most effective when the relationships is also built on a foundation of care and when young people are being challenged to get better in areas where they have goals they are working towards." In our class we drew attention to that last bit: "challenged to get better in areas where they have goals they are working towards." Oftentimes we can get distracted by perception, competition, or drivers for success that we can push our children towards our goals for them. Maybe we feel they should be reading already or potty trained already or sitting still already. Take some time to observe your child and see where they are directing their own learning. Perhaps you see your baby starting to point or rock, or maybe you see your child drawing a lot or playing make believe. Once you start to notice your child's interests, you will start to see how your child directs their own development. Only then can you start to find ways to challenge them appropriately. To learn more about challenging growth, look here and watch the short video. What Can YOU Do?In class, you created your "I Can" statements which are now hanging in the hallway. Feel free to walk by those and take a look for inspiration and ideas. The Search Institute's research promoted these actionable statements:
At HomeThe researchers at the Search Institute drew attention to what they call "The Challenge Zone." According to them, this is where "It's just hard enough where it's beyond what they can naturally, easily do but not so hard that it's beyond what's possible for them."
With your partner, talk about your child's self-initiated interests. Where do you see your child putting a lot of their time and effort? Now, where can you parent in within the challenge zone? How can you encourage them in a way that is developmentally appropriate while still being difficult?
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Welcome to PLC! PLC stands for Professional Learning Communities. Myself and the other ECFE/Family School team members have joined together to create a wonderful month learning about strong, developmental relationships. This research is based on the Developmental Relationships framework, which was work done in 2017 by the Search Institute in Minneapolis. This comprehensive research surveyed over 1500 families, from various makeups and backgrounds, in the United States to learn more about what makes for strong families and healthy developmental relationships. This type of relationship often results in:
Relationships are a 2-way StreetIn our discussion, we noted that relationships require 2 people. We start to feel exhausted, stressed, and underappreciated when relationships are heavily weighted towards one member of the family. We created a list of responsibilities for both the parent and child: PARENT:
Relationships aren't all that MattersAccording to the Search Institute's research, "The framework seeks to articulate broad areas of relationships and relational practices that may be expressed in many different ways based on individual, community, cultural, and other differences. The framework gives a starting point for exploring how we might be more intentional in reflecting on and strengthening relationships without assuming that all relationships can or should be the same." In our discussion, we worked to understand how our world has an impact on our relationships with our children through the lens of culture, community, and circumstance. Some of the ideas we came up with were: CULTURE
Express CareAccording to the Search Institute, “Young people do best when they experience strong, positive relationships in all parts of their lives… The search institute has identified five elements - expressed in 20 specific actions - that make relationships powerful in young people’s lives” The first of these elements is expressing care. In other words, show me that I matter to you. If you are interested in learning more about expressing care, watch the short video located here. What Can YOU Do?For our work on the developmental relationships framework, we are coming up with "I Can" statements each week that relate to each of the elements. "I Can" statements are intended to empower you with action. Each week, your "I Can" statements are posted in the hallway to remind you and inspire you with practical ideas. Here are some ideas from the Search Institute's findings:
At HomeThink about which of those aforementioned statements are easiest for you. How come? Which one is hardest for you? Why is that?
For example, maybe it's very easy for you to be dependable. You might show that by being reliable transportation, following through on your actions, doing your best to keep your child safe. However, maybe it's difficult for you to really pay attention when you're with your child. Maybe you are with your child most days so you find yourself giving 50% 24/7 rather than 100% some of the time. Or maybe you are very busy with work that you always have your phone nearby for emails and calls. How can you celebrate your successes? How can you challenge yourself to grow? |
Emily BarstadMaster's in Family Education Archives
March 2020
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