Interacting with others

A group of 3 children playing marbles

The ways in which we interact with others reflects choice; we can position ourselves in relation to others.

We can position ourselves in ways that invite respect, curiosity and connection.

We can also position ourselves in ways that invite judgement, disconnection, and disapproval.

The stance we take has profound effects on the relationship and is shaped by our values and conceptual assumptions (Madsen 1999).

High importance should be given to building and maintaining positive and caring relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their parents or caregivers. School staff and personnel can reflect this by demonstrating through their actions that they value a positive, caring and respectful relationship with Indigenous students, parents and families.


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References

Madsen, W 2007, Collaborative therapy with multi-stressed families, 2nd edn, Guilford Press, New York.

Image: Kids playing with marbles. Photo by Tup Wanders Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tupwanders/83092660/ {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}