Objective:

• For participants to recognise their current conflict management strategies and why these may not be working. 
• To discuss the differences between aggressive, passive and assertive behaviour and to develop assertion techniques suitable for the early childhood workplace.

Descriptor:

• Many people who work in the childcare and education professions manage conflicts when they arise by adopting one of two roles - either ’The Mouse’ where their needs are overlooked and they feel others ’walk all over them’ or ’The Monster’ where anger and frustration result in emotional outbursts, blaming others, escalation of the problems and regretting hurt caused.  There is another way !
• Conflict in the workplace can be approached creatively so that relationships can be strengthened, not damaged.  Conflict can be seen as an opportunity for understanding and growth.
• This practical workshop will explore how listening, responsibility-taking messages and conflict mapping techniques can transform upsets, misunderstandings and arguments that occur as part of our everyday lives.  Participants will have the opportunity to practice and refine these techniques in situations relating to a range of early childhood and school contexts.  This workshop is empowering, enjoyable and transforming.

 This course is presented by Patrice Thomas, early childhood consultant, lecturer, author and Honorary Associate of the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University.  Patrice Thomas published ‘The Magic of Relaxation’ in Australia in 2002 and ‘The Power of Relaxation’ for the USA in 2003 and has contributed to a range of early childhood journals such as Childcare Information Exchange;  Ratler;  EveryChild.

The course is conducted over a two hour period.  Course content, certificate of attendance and light refreshments are included.  The cost includes GST.