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“No, Really, I'm Fine!”

Connecting with Kids in Emotional Distress

Presentation by Jane Bluestein, Ph.D.

How often do troubled or upset kids attempt to open up to the adults in their lives, only to encounter a non-supportive, ineffective or even destructive response? It’s no wonder so many kids try to convince us that they're “fine!”

This program will examine what even the most well-meaning parent or teacher might inadvertently do when kids trusts us enough to share what’s going on with them, and why it can be so hard to connect.

We'll look at ways to avoid setting up these roadblocks to meaningful connecting and communications, along with some positive, practical and effective alternatives which can truly support children as they resolve conflicts and problems in non-hurtful ways.

Other topics include communicating our availability (and alternatives we can offer or provide until we are available), confidentiality, listening, validating, and how and when to help kids look for solutions.

Designed as a program for working with and supporting children of all ages, this program can be adapted for strengthening adult relationships. (See “Are Your Colleagues Driving You Crazy?” and “Clearing the Hurdles: Eliminating Stress-Producing Obstacles in Relationships.”)

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