Cultivate…COMMUNICATION by changing a defensive climate to a supportive climate

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words”  Roy T. Bennett Our loved ones will only communicate with us…

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Cultivate…COMMUNICATION by validating your child’s emotions

According to the Oxford Dictionary, validation is defined as the “recognition or affirmation that a person of their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.” So why is validation an important tool for parents and caregivers? Your validation shows your child that they and their feelings or opinions are important for you to listen and…

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Cultivate… COMMUNICATION with a picture telling exercise!

Verbal and nonverbal effective communication is the foundation of all relationships and it helps us when we interact with other people. Effective communication fosters our relationship with loved ones and it positively fulfills our need for connectivity. Not only effective communication is very important for children to achieve their need for connectivity, but it also…

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Cultivate…COMMUNICATION by talking with your kids about substance use!

Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking…

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Cultivate…COMMUNICATION by asking “the question!”

In honor of #SuicidePreventionMonth, OKPTA Cultivate will be sharing #BeThe1To’s 5 action steps that you can take to help your friends and family in a suicidal crisis. Visit http://www.bethe1to.com to learn more about the campaign message for National Suicide Prevention Month. If you think someone might be considering suicide, take the first step and #BeThe1To…

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