Laser Lessons - Lesson

Be able to develop positive relationships with children and young people

Table of Contents

‘Building supportive relationships with young people’ on the Young Minds website

Having supportive relationships with adults in the community is crucial for improving young people's mental health. This resource provides tips and advice for building positive relationships where mental wellbeing can thrive.

Table of Contents

Observe a senior practitioner interacting with children.- Is he/she getting involved?- How do the children respond?- Can you see how he/she is extending their ideas and supporting them in their play?- What does his/her body language suggest? Is he/she relaxed, happy, tense?
Observe a group of children playing alone:- How do they respond to each other?- Is there an obvious leader? Why do you think this is?- Do they communicate with words only?- What else do they use to assist their developing communication skills?
Think of ways in which adults can respond and interact with children positively and appropriately. Make a poster for the staff room to get your points across.
Find and read a copy of 'How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk' by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Picadilly Press, 2001. NB You should be able to borrow this book from your local library or it may be available online as an electronic version.
This article from Karen Winter is titled ‘Supporting positive relationships for children and young people who have experience of care’.
Click on this link to read an article on the First Discoverers website on ‘Helping children to manage conflict’.
‘Why secure relationships can help children’s development’ is an article on the Early Years Careers website. How are relationships built and supported in your setting?

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