Pathfinder Communications Rules Created by James J Messina

Pathfinder Communications Rules Created by James J. Messina, Ph. D.

Pathfinder • • • P A T H F I N D E R Principles Activating Tracking Hugging Formulating Intervening Negotiating Discussing Establishing Releasing

Pathfinder • • • P A T H Hugging F I Intervening N D Discussing E R

Communications Rules • 1. Focus on feelings and not content • 2. Don’t parallel listen • 3. Don’t jump to assumptions about how children feel or what they mean • 4. Don’t compete with children for who knows more • 5. Listen effectively to children

Communications Rules • 6. Respond with understanding to children • 7. Use "I statements" instead of "you statements" • 8. Clarify what children are saying • 9. Don’t belittle or make fun of children • 10. Don’t put your words into children's mouths

Communications Rules • 11. Make time to have discussions with children • 12. Maintain your sense of humor • 13. Describe behaviors not children • 14. Stay focused on the "here and now" • 15. Control your temper

Communications Rules • • 16. Use "open ended questions" 17. Don’t use "door closers" 18. Be rational in discussions 19. Don’t make comparisons to others with children • 20. Help children recognize when actions are inconsistent with words