Lives in the Balance

Many educators are already thinking about next school year. Instead of focusing on behavior systems or discipline plans, start by identifying unsolved problems.

Example unsolved problem: “Difficulty starting independent journaling work after instructions are given.”

When the expectation is clear, the next step is Plan B:
• Empathy – Gather the student’s perspective
• Define the Adult Concern – Share why the expectation matters
• Invitation – Work together on a realistic solution

The goal is solving the problems that lead to concerning behavior.

When home and school are both seeing challenges, it can be tempting for adults to compare notes and jump to solutions.

In the CPS model, we start somewhere else: with the student’s perspective.

Example unsolved problem: "Difficulty getting started on your history homework in the evening."
If caregivers and educators are both involved, the conversation still begins with

Empathy:
“I’ve noticed it can be hard to get started on your history homework in the evening. What’s up?”

From there:
• Drill for specifics (When? Where? Which part?)
• Define the Adult Concern (learning, completion, rest)
• Invitation to work toward a plan that addresses both concerns

Mother’s Day is often about celebrating big moments. We’re thinking about the smaller ones.
These moments don’t always get recognized, but they matter. After all, these moments build trust and create space for kids to share what’s getting in their way.

At Lives in the Balance, we see this every day. Mothers doing the hard, patient, often invisible work of partnering with their children in new ways.

Learn more >> https://livesinthebalance.org/