Empowering Students to Understand the Difference Between Conversation and Gossip [Show]

How do we teach our children, particularly our middle schoolers, the difference between conversation and gossip? We want to encourage the former and discourage the latter, but what does an intelligent conversation look like with tweenagers? How do we create insight for them when they meet a bully? Watch or listen to this insightful discussion of these important topics with author Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale.

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Show Notes

When we have a gossiping experience, it is all about either connection or a lack thereof. Lizabeth says to start at the foundation – is the energy level of the participants half empty or half full?

“Feeling is the language of the soul.” ~Neale Donald Walsch

Prepare for gossip in advance. Teach your children to recognize their own feelings so that when something goes sideways, they are in tune with how they feel about that experience.

You have to rehearse these conversations. If there are things that you want your child to be ready for when they are confronted with gossip, practice the intention of response at home, across your table, so when the situation occurs, they can recognize it.

Create a family culture of acceptance. To kids, their problems feel like mountains. If they know their parents are a safe place to speak about what makes them anxious, then that communication can be solace and rescue.

Connect with Lizabeth on her website

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