ABSTRACT
Let me leave you with these ten quick rules I follow to keep advice to students appropriate, useful, and safe:
Listen.
Be curious.
Anticipate being surprised.
Reflect back what you’re hearing and ask clarifying questions.
Listen some more.
Be transparent about whether you must tell another adult about something the student has told you ... Let the student know why.
If it’s necessary to loop a parent in, give your student a choice about how you do so. “Would you prefer to talk with your parent(s) first, and then I’ll follow up? Or do you want me to just go ahead and get in touch?” If there are two parents, “Which parent would you like me to contact? Does your parent prefer email, or a phone call?”
Don’t keep secrets about a student’s safety.
Don’t fly solo. Consult with a trusted colleague or turn to your team.
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
