It all starts with RESPECT
TERM 1 WEEK 10
Building positive relationships and behaviour together
At LNPS we believe that respectful relationships and positive behaviour are the foundation of a strong, supportive learning community. These values don’t just start in the classroom — they begin at home and are reinforced every day through the way we speak, act, and guide our children.
Sometimes, without meaning to, we may excuse or overlook disrespectful actions, but small moments can send big messages to children about what is acceptable. This might look like dismissing unkind behaviour between siblings as “just mucking around,” excusing aggression as “they are tired,” or even suggesting that others may have provoked the behaviour. We have all been there as children, and sometimes as adults.
Over time, these attitudes can lead young people to believe that disrespect is a normal and acceptable part of growing up.
The good news is that, as parents and carers, educators and as a community, we have a powerful opportunity to shape how our children and students learn to treat others and each other.
Together, we can support our young people to grow into kind, considerate, and respectful individuals.
Encourage Respect at Home
Dr Justin Coulson, from Happy Families, encourages families to introduce three ideas and attitudes of respect at home by:
Encouraging kindness and positive conflict resolutions. Support your children in treating their siblings and others with kindness and fairness. When disagreements happen, encourage them to resolve conflicts calmly — by talking things through, listening to each other, compromising, and being willing to apologise when needed.
Teach and model respectful behaviour for all children. It can sometimes feel easy to dismiss aggressive behaviour, particularly in boys, as "just how boys are." While some children may naturally express themselves differently, it’s important to guide them toward handling challenges and disagreements in respectful and constructive ways. Show your children how to resolve conflict calmly and respectfully.
Make respect part of everyday conversations. In healthy families, important values like respect are talked about openly. Take opportunities to discuss what respectful behaviour looks like, both at home and in the wider community. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and experiences, but also be prepared to challenge any attitudes that don't align with your family’s or community’s values.
Respectful relationships have its own language, and it’s through this language that respect is shown, and personal safety and integrity are assured.
Framing behaviour as a choice is an essential respectful relationship strategy that needs to be reinforced for children and young people. “That’s a smart/good/helpful choice!” is the type of response kids should repeatedly hear, reinforcing that their behaviour is a result of choice rather than driven by others, circumstances, or emotion.
Remember, you can read many insights from Dr Justin Coulson via our Happy Families account.
https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/lnps
PASSWORD: happylnps
We will continue to work in partnership with families to support all students in building positive relationships and making respectful choices.