Our family and school communities are dealing with a lot of heavy topics these days. We are so rooted in trying to problem solve, that when we speak with one another, we aren’t truly listening to what the other person is saying … instead we are trying to solve the problem we believe they are presenting. When people feel unheard, it leads to avoidable conflict and discord among parents and school communities. What if instead of rushing through every conversation like it’s a problem to solve, we learn to truly listen to one another? Effective school and parent relationships are built on trust. Listening for deep understanding; the “why” behind what is being said, is a powerful tool for building mutual understanding, strengthening relationships, and fostering collaboration.
