
31. Non-compliance Isn't Always a Choice
06/21/23 • 15 min
Simply put, children don’t do everything we ask them to do when we ask them to do it. As adults, we often assume this is because they are not understanding what we said so we try communicating the same expectation again by repeating ourselves, sometimes in a louder and more frustrated voice. If that doesn’t work, our own frustration grows, which can stop us from remaining emotionally regulated and problem-solve what to do next.
We are never our best selves when stressed. Yet, the way we respond in the moment a child doesn’t do what we have asked them to do can do one of two things: either it creates a safe connection for the child to trust us as we align with them to solve the problem or we trigger a defense response in the child if we inadvertently disregard their need for more support.
So, what does this look like in a classroom?
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Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.
Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Simply put, children don’t do everything we ask them to do when we ask them to do it. As adults, we often assume this is because they are not understanding what we said so we try communicating the same expectation again by repeating ourselves, sometimes in a louder and more frustrated voice. If that doesn’t work, our own frustration grows, which can stop us from remaining emotionally regulated and problem-solve what to do next.
We are never our best selves when stressed. Yet, the way we respond in the moment a child doesn’t do what we have asked them to do can do one of two things: either it creates a safe connection for the child to trust us as we align with them to solve the problem or we trigger a defense response in the child if we inadvertently disregard their need for more support.
So, what does this look like in a classroom?
---
Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.
Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.
Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Previous Episode

30. How Teachers Can Prevent Burnout
Teachers, you made it. It’s summer! As you pause to take a breath and recenter yourself, I want you to know that I see all you are doing. You are asked to do so many things with too little time and energy.
This week, I’m here to remind you that you CAN find time for yourself, even during a busy school year. The most important thing to know is that a little bit of time will go a long way. As you reflect on this past school year, I’m here to share some new ideas for setting yourself up for resiliency in the fall.
A few months ago, I created a FREE video series for elementary educators to learn how to beat burnout during the school year. You’ll only need to set aside about 15 minutes a day to watch the four videos full of actionable ways to radically take care of yourself. Today’s episode is a sneak peek. Let’s get started!
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.
Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.
Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Next Episode

32. What Drives Motivation for Neurodivergent Youth?
When I talk to parents and teachers of neurodivergent kids and teens, especially those raising and teaching autistic children, I often hear, “I can’t figure out what motivates her,” or “He only cares about video games” or even, “I can’t get them to care about anything.”
Here’s the thing: I’ve never met a kid without interests. As the trusted adults raising and teaching neurodivergent kids, we may have to listen a little harder and look a bit closer, especially if a child’s interest doesn’t fit into society’s norm of “expected.”
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.
Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.
Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
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