Communication of Needs

If I have referenced this model once, I have referenced it one million times in my career.  As I work with children, this is so important for parents and educators to remember.  We all have needs.   

I watch from a distance as so many kids are identified as "problems" and absolutely every one of them has one thing in common - an unmet need.  I ALWAYS start there.  What is their behavior saying?  And, the simplest way to find out is - simply ask.  Kids will tell you if they know and if they don't know a few questions will get you there: 1) What is bothering you? 2) Why do you react that way? 3) Do you need something? or. 4) How can I help you? And, 95% of the time the problem is uncovered session one and then we go to solution mode.  Every problem has a solution if you can accurately communicate your need.