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…Tips to building positive relationships in the workplace

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INTERPERSONAL relationships are complex constructs that can make or break a work environment. It is essential to cultivate relationships that are more positive and productive in the workplace so that everyone feels comfortable, respected, and appreciated. By doing so, the workplace flourishes with people feeling supported, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.

For improved job satisfaction and happiness at work, take the time to strengthen your work relationships. Here are some tips for successful relationship-building at work:

1. Hone your communication skills
Effective communication is one of the most, if not the most, important skills you need to develop if you want to build stronger relationships at work.

Verbal communication
Verbal communication encompasses what you say and how you say it. It’s important to think before you speak and be conscious of how you phrase your words. Consider your tone of voice – how do you speak with others? Aim to speak with empathy, positivity, and understanding. When you speak in a considerate and respectful way, the people you are talking with will be more open to what you have to say.

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Nonverbal communication
Your body language says a lot about you and your feelings. If you are relaxed, it implies that you are comfortable with the person and the situation. On the other hand, if you are tense or closed off, it sends the message that you are uninterested and disconnected. Try to stay open and aware of your body language. Make sure to maintain eye contact to show that you’re present and listening. Don’t let your body language contradict what you are saying. Ask follow-up questions and paraphrase what they said – this will demonstrate that you are engaged in the conversation and that you care about what they have to say.

Emotional intelligence
Be mindful of not only how you communicate but also how you’re making your colleagues feel. Make sure to use appropriate language and be respectful of their feelings, even in disagreements. Be empathetic and strive to see things from their perspective. This will allow you to connect with them deeper and help you better collaborate with them.

Active listening
When the other person is speaking, pay close attention to what they’re saying rather than thinking about what you are going to say next. Show that you are actively listening by nodding and making small comments to indicate that you understand.

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Relationship

…Tips to mentally prepare your child for the school year

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1. Talk early and often

It is never too early to start talking with and listening to your children about the first day of school. Ask them what they think school will be like and see if they have any specific concerns so that you will have time to address it over the next couple of weeks. It is totally normal to have first day jitters.

2. Go to the orientation

If your child’s school is hosting an orientation or back-to-school night, take advantage of it. Often children are worried that they will not know how to get to the bathroom, where to eat lunch, or how to get to a locker. If your school does not offer one or you are unable to make it, ask the teacher if it would be possible to stop by for a visit. Teachers are usually in their classrooms prepping for the new school year in advance.

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3. Meet the teacher

For kids, wondering if they will like their teacher is a big source of fear. If your child isn’t comfortable in the teacher’s classroom, he or she will be less likely to be ready to learn. Many teachers will make themselves available for a phone or video call or will return an email if a visit is not possible.

4. For younger children, read books or watch educational cartoons

In August, local libraries will often display books about starting school or going to a new school. These materials can help children read about and see what a typical day will consist of and what they will learn in school.

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5. Take your kids shopping with you

Your kids will be more excited to use their back-to-school supplies if they picked them out. Doing so will help them feel prepared and will also provide an opportunity to talk about how the new supplies might be used in the coming year.

6. Set up school “zones” and establish clear expectations

At home, establish a location for school materials such as a place to put backpack and lunchbox, and set up a distraction-free homework zone (like the kitchen table with the TV turned off and phones/tablets put away). Set up homework and study times (for example, Monday–Thursday from 3:30–5 pm) to help manage expectations and build and maintain good routines.

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7. Practice your new routine

Both children and adults can benefit from practicing the new school routine one to two weeks before school actually starts. Stage a morning dry run to see how long it takes you and your children to get out of the door in the morning. It will not only help you predict how early you and your kids need to get up, but your children will benefit from learning what to expect each weekday.

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Relationship

…tips for building a good parent-teacher relationship

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Having a good relationship with your child’s teacher will make it easier for you to share concerns and work together to help your child thrive. Here are some tips for building a partnership. Here are some tips to help parents build a good relationship with their child’s teacher.

1. Meet with the teacher and staff early

Teachers are usually swamped at the start of the school year. But try to meet as soon as the teacher can. At your first meeting, find out how the teacher prefers to communicate it can be either by phone, email, or some other method.

2. Help the teacher get to know your child.

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Sharing information is key to a good parent-teacher relationship. Tell the teacher about your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges. If your child has an special need, make the teacher a aware, and let the him or her know about situations outside of school that might impact your child’s learning or behaviour.

3. Be respectful of the teacher’s time.

Be on time for appointments, whether they are phone calls, video meetings, or parent-teacher conferences. Try to wrap things up within the allotted time. The teacher may have other parents scheduled after you or other meetings and commitments. You can always set up another call to finish up.

4. Recognise the teacher’s efforts.

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If you are meeting in the classroom, look for displays of students’ work or teaching materials that you can compliment. If you are somewhere else, start things off with a positive statement, like something your child enjoys about the teacher’s class. 

5. Never talk negatively about a teacher in front of your child.

Showing your respect for a teacher will set a good example for your child.

6. Participate in school events.

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Take part in school events when possible. This shows that you’re part of the school community and want to be supportive. Offer to volunteer in a way that works for you, whether it’s at school or at home on your own time.

7. Say “thank you.”

Show your appreciation for the big or little things the teacher and other staff do for your child. Thank-you notes and emails can go a long way toward building positive relationships.

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