In the bustling hallways of educational institutions, conflict is an inevitable part of daily life. From trivial disagreements to more significant disputes, students encounter a myriad of challenges in their social interactions. In such a dynamic environment, fostering conflict resolution skills becomes paramount to promoting a positive and harmonious school

In the bustling world of education, where rules and discipline often take center stage, a gentle yet transformative approach emerges—Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Educators, administrators, and parents, have long grappled with how to effectively handle rule-breaking incidents in schools. Traditionally, reprimanding students for their misconduct has been the norm, aiming to

In our society, when someone makes a mistake or engages in inappropriate behavior, it’s natural to think of consequences and punishments as interchangeable terms. However, there is a significant distinction between these two concepts that often gets overlooked. Understanding the difference between consequences and punishments is crucial, especially when it

In a world teeming with complexities and uncertainties, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of blaming others when things go awry. From a young age, we are conditioned to seek out culprits for our misfortunes, often overlooking the profound impact that blame can have on both

I have taught Nonviolent Communication to hundreds of people, and I so frequently I hear some version of this: “I want to be able to give empathy to a person in a conflict situation, but in doing so, I do not want them to think that I am agreeing with

Self-awareness is one of the best gifts you can give to those around you. Self-awareness can help you to recognize communication patterns, including how you express yourself and how you perceive and interpret others’ messages. With self-awareness, you can adjust your approach to be more effective and considerate, leading to

I want to preface by saying that this post is much more personal than all of the other posts from this blog to date. Typically, this blog features tips and educational pieces about Nonviolent Communication, restorative practices, and empathy. Today, I’m trying something a little different and sharing some personal

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you really want someone to just understand your point of view, but they can’t seem to get it? You try and try to get your message across, and all you want is an experience of being heard, but it just

Most people think being empathetic means feeling the same thing that another person feels, or having sympathy for them, or agreeing with what they say, but actually, none of that is true. You can be empathetic towards someone and experience a completely different set of feelings from what that person

Intentions behind actions and words matter. Intentions are a person’s why for doing or saying everything they do or say. Neither actions nor words would exist without the intention that births them. Understanding someone’s intentions is integral to seeing a person for who they actually are rather than for what

I am currently doing some Nonviolent Communication related work in a school that is known for students getting in fights with each other. If it isn’t daily, fights certainly happen weekly, and it isn’t because these kids are “bad” or “unruly”. It’s because they have trauma and fighting is the

Conflict in the workplace is almost inevitable. With power dynamics, different personalities, limited resources, personal issues, and miscommunications, it is a wonder how anyone gets any work done sometimes. My guess is, if you are reading this, it is likely that you have had a conflict within your place of

There’s a buzzword bouncing around social justice, mindfulness and mental health circles lately: “radical empathy”. It sounds intense and important. “Radical”, when attached to a general idea or technique, carries a certain exigence. But what does it really mean? When it comes to empathy, is there a difference between empathy

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, the impacts of trauma are more prevalent than ever before. Students enter classrooms carrying a diverse range of traumatic experiences, from personal hardships to broader societal challenges. Ideally, educators understand and address these experiences, creating safe and supportive environments that foster healing and growth.

Mindful communication refers to the practice of engaging in conscious and intentional communication with others. It involves being fully present and aware of both oneself and the other person during a conversation or interaction. Mindful communication aims to foster understanding, compassion, and connection by promoting clarity, active listening, and non-judgmental

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a powerful framework developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg for fostering empathy, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Nonviolent Communication focuses on observable facts, feelings, fundamental human needs, and making requests – and this focus intentionally steers users away from blame and judgment. By practicing NVC, individuals

Restorative practices refer to a set of strategies and approaches used to address conflicts, build relationships, and create a positive and inclusive community. These practices focus on repairing harm, promoting accountability, and fostering empathy and understanding among individuals. Restorative practices can be applied in various settings, including schools, workplaces, justice

In any relationship, whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, emotional safety lays the foundation for trust, vulnerability, and deep connection. When we experience emotional safety, we can express our thoughts, feelings, and needs openly, knowing that we will be heard, respected, and supported. It is within

The power of intentionality has been trending lately, and I am here for it. In a world filled with distractions and constant demands for our attention, being intentional has become more important than ever. Being intentional means actively choosing and directing your thoughts, actions, and energy towards the things that

Empathy is a crucial component of effective communication and a key factor in building strong relationships. Empathy is the ability to hear and understand the feelings and needs of others, which is essential in creating a harmonious and productive working environment. Empathy training is a way to develop and enhance