Problem Vs Solution

The words and language that we use as both educators and parents to talk about the children in our lives, be it our own children or students, has an impact on how we relate to them, care for them, and even the interventions we choose to use with them.

We can use choose to use language that is problem-focused, and when we use problem-focused language it narrows and constricts the possibilities for how to support our young people. When we choose to use solution-focused language it opens up the possibilities for how we perceive and relate to and interact with others, in this case with our children and students.

In schools, children often get labeled as being hyperactive, or dramatic, or defiant. The conversation changes quickly though when we can use more positive language and focus on well what are the strengths behind those words. This opens up possibilities for finding solutions, and it also helps us to be more empathetic in the process. So we can choose to use language that restricts or choose to use language that opens up. We can use language that's reactive or we can use language that's more responsive.

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