We Listen And We Don't Judge

I'll be transparent and say that working with children have a lot of unspoken benefits.

For one, they keep us abreast on the lasted trends, catch phrases, hot topics, etc.

I had to do some research on where the phrase "We listen and we don't judge" originated from. 

According to sources, the phrase gained popularity in a TikTok trend, where couples reveal things to each other and have to listen and not judge. 

One important thing we have learned while working with children at GBOC is that it is listening to them has many benefits.  One I mentioned above. 

But more importantly, as a means to address challenges, or issues in their lives or as a way to help them grow... listening to them is a major factor.

We Provide A Safe Place To Share 

One of our foundations in sharing is that it is a safe place. 

If a child does not want to participate in sharing during our discussions, they are not forced to. 

We also have set this foundation- the children can share whatever they life, as long as they share it in a respectful way. 

For example, there are times when they want to share with us an experience that may include a 'curse word' or a word that they are not allowed to say.

Such as the 'n-word'.  Well, they can let us know ahead of time and they are allowed to share by spelling the word or indicating it's not an appropriate word to say. 

This gives them the freedom to share their experiences while creating a relationship with them that reinforces that no matter what they have a listening ear.

Have you created a safe place for your children to share their experiences with them? 

If you're reading this blog and don't have children, how about your relationships?  Do you provide a safe place or atmosphere for those in whom you have a relationship to share things with you, free of judgement?

Take some time to ponder about it. 

Picture credit: ShawnReid@unsplash.com