Conversations That Make a Difference for Children and Young People

Synopsis

In this unique book, international trainer and consultant Lisa Cherry invites professionals from education, social work and healthcare to engage in conversations on a range of pertinent topics and issues affecting children and young people today.

Divided into three main parts, which introduce attachment, adversity and trauma, each discussion places an emphasis on emotion and the understanding that we have as humans for compassion, empathy and connection. By encouraging collaboration between sectors and exploring a range of intersecting themes, the conversations take the reader on a winding journey to broaden their depth of thinking, reflect on their practice and to consider the central message: that we can bring about social change, one interaction at a time.

This book is a call to action and an opportunity to look around and decide what kind of service we want to provide, what kind of community we want to live in and what sort of legacy we want to leave. At a time of ever-present social and political challenges, this book will stimulate conversations on current practice and professional development for the future and is a must-read for everyone working with children and young people.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Dialogue

Conversations that make a difference foster understanding, empathy, and growth. Real example: A teacher initiates a class dialogue about bullying, encouraging students to share their perspectives and work together to develop a solution.

Chapter 2: Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment

Establishing a safe atmosphere where all voices are heard is crucial. Real example: A parent creates a family dinner routine where each member takes turns sharing their thoughts and feelings without interruption.

Chapter 3: Active Listening and Mirroring

Active listening shows respect and understanding. Mirroring involves repeating back what others have said to clarify and validate their words. Real example: A school counselor actively listens to a student expressing anxiety, mirroring their feelings to show that they are being heard.

Chapter 4: Questioning Effectively

Open-ended questions encourage deeper reflection and exploration. Real example: A coach asks athletes to consider their strengths and weaknesses after a game, fostering self-awareness and growth.

Chapter 5: Reflecting on Conversations

Reflecting helps individuals process the conversation and identify insights. Real example: A youth group leader encourages participants to journal about key takeaways from a discussion on leadership.

Chapter 6: Dialoguing with Children of Different Ages

Dialogue techniques need to be tailored to the age and developmental level of the child. Real example: A preschool teacher uses puppets to facilitate conversations about emotions with young children.

Chapter 7: Dialogue in Schools and Educational Settings

Dialogue is valuable in classrooms, promoting critical thinking and collaboration. Real example: A history teacher initiates a dialogue about the Civil Rights Movement, encouraging students to debate and learn from multiple perspectives.

Chapter 8: Conversations in the Family

Family conversations build strong relationships and foster healthy communication. Real example: A family holds regular "family meetings" to discuss issues, make decisions, and connect.

Chapter 9: Dialogue in Community Settings

Dialogue can bridge divides and foster understanding in communities. Real example: A community center hosts a dialogue between police officers and local residents to address community safety concerns.

Chapter 10: Dialogue in the Workplace

Dialogue improves teamwork, innovation, and employee engagement. Real example: A manager facilitates a team dialogue about a challenging project, encouraging open and respectful communication.