Communication: understand perspectives and avoid blame 

​Understand perspectives and avoid blame

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EBSNA typically results from a combination of factors, and seeking a simple cause can lead to blame, anxiety, and defensiveness. Parents may feel criticised for their child's absences or fear legal consequences, while children may feel guilty or fearful of being forced to attend school. Schools meanwhile are caught between the pressure to ensure attendance and the pace a family and child may need to return to school.

 

Since each person involved may have a different perspective, it is crucial to respect and acknowledge these differing views. Focusing on how the behaviour is occurring, rather than why, can be more constructive in addressing EBSNA.

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Tools on their way...in the meantime:

• Listen - build trust before addressing any 'truths'

• Be mindful of Principles for effective communication: 

• Train in and use Active Listening

• Give space, time and follow up on meetings with action and action logs

• Listen, check you understand, act

• Create a communication log with parents to be used weekly or monthly

• Listen and check what was planned to happen is happening - so many great plans don't work due to inconsistency.