Build the message before you write it. Clear, warm, and ready to send.
For when you need to raise something sensitive, share a worry, or start a conversation about a behaviour or challenge. Framed as partnership, not accusation.
For when something wonderful happened and you want to share it. Builds the relationship before you ever need to raise a concern.
Prepare for a parent-teacher interview, student support group meeting, or IEP meeting. Generates an agenda, key points to raise, and questions to ask.
Relational communication: Louise Bomber's research on trauma-informed practice emphasises that how we communicate matters as much as what we communicate. The tone, phrasing, and partnership language used here are grounded in attachment theory and relational trust.
Family partnership: Louise Porter's work on positive relationships with families shows that specific, strengths-first communication before raising concerns creates a relational "bank account" that makes difficult conversations more productive and less defensive.
Positive communication cycles: Gottman's research (1994) demonstrates that regular positive communication reduces the impact of difficult conversations and builds resilience in relationships.