07/16/2026
I intentionally typed, "I will talk WITH them," but the messaging app wanted to correct "talk WITH" to "talk TO." Is that correct? Is there a difference? There is. Talking TO someone implies that you are talking and they are listening. This could be purposeful and useful when imparting instructions or warnings but might also be demeaning. Talking WITH someone is collaborative and leads to more effective planning and problem solving.
While we absolutely want children to listen to us when we have something important to tell them, we should be mindful of including them in the conversation.
Is there a decision to be made? Who is going to be affected by the decision? That person is entitled to be part of the discussion.
Is there a disagreement? Who is disagreeing? They should both be part of the solution.
When we include children in conversations about things that are happening to them, we are far more likely to achieve a positive outcome for everyone involved. Try this with adults too!
Seedschool believes in child-led learning and independent decision making. That doesn't mean that the children just do whatever they want. They are guided to speak kindly, consider other people's feelings, and resolve things together with minimal adult interference.
Follow along to see this in action!
🌱
🚍
🌱
