A student once took her iPad out of the case, pulled her arm back, looked right at me, and said:
“I’m going to throw this against the wall.”
I didn’t panic.
I didn’t raise my voice.
I didn’t rush to control her.
I calmly said:
“I really wish you wouldn’t but you’re going to do what you’re going to do.”
I’m not in control of a child’s behavior.
I am in control of how I respond, document, and move forward and I already knew my next steps.
Not reacting to everything isn’t being passive.
It’s being regulated, intentional, and prepared.
💬 Let’s discuss….
- What behaviors tend to hook you emotionally the fastest?
- How does not reacting feel different from not caring?
- What helps you stay calm when a student or children is testing limits?
- How does knowing your next steps reduce your need to react?
- Where could less reaction actually create more safety?