Working with Families

This was a really interesting class discussion. It helped me to see things in a different way with how I answer with my responses now. The transitional responses to this subject were forms that I hear quite often when I am at work or even talking with others. When I myself begin teaching I would hope that when I do come into contact with these responses I use them to the best of my ability and use them correctly. When I do start teaching and am asked one of these responses and something sad or devistating happens to one of my students or their families, I hope that I can use the terms correctly and in a way that dosen't come off horrible. For instance with personal experience I will try not to use "It happened to me", or "I know how you feel" because each experience is far different and so is the person's emotions. As for interpersonal support they are all very useful tools. Listening, Understanding, Support, and Help, are all very useful tools to help anyone in a given situations. If a studnet or parent comes to me with something I will most definitly try to use these for support. For myself I have used them for my own friends and family. With my friends I do this when they are talking to me about guys or breakups, etc. I am very focused and do lend advice and really hear and understand what they are saying. As for support I am usually the one that shows the most empathy and support to people, as everyone tells me. For myself I hope to do the same with families that come to me wtih questions or concerns and I am able to answer them and give them these types of support to help them get through their situation(s).