Not all of us have access to supervisors or colleagues who can help us engage in reflective practice. Even when we do, it can be helpful to do an intrapersonal reflection on our own before we bring something up in a reflective conversation. This tool is designed to guide independent reflection about how identity and value differences may contribute to some of your challenging interactions with families.

Over the next two weeks, make a list of your 3 most challenging interactions with families or the choices families make that you find the most challenging or flummoxing.  Reflect on how your own identities and your relationship with the dominant white American culture impact your feelings about these things.

(Print-Only PDF) REFLECTIVE TOOL_ Surfacing Feelings in Challenging Interactions Reflections

Guiding Ideas and Questions

• Summarize a challenging interaction/choice you disagree with or don’t understand/ frustrating behavior
• How do your own identities shape your feelings about this?
• How does your relationship to the dominant White American culture influence your thinking and feelings about this?
• What reframing can you do to help you successfully move forward with this family?
• What additional learning about this family and their ways of thinking will be helpful for you in better understanding this family’s perspective?