Language & Behaviour | Trish Hicken & Emma Broddle

In this episode, Clare talks to Trish Hicken and Emma Broddle about language, communication and behaviour. They discuss how to talk about emotions with your child and share useful ways you can help them understand how they’re feeling.

Trish Hicken is Team Leader for the Specialist Language teachers in Lincolnshire. Her colleague, Emma Broddle, is a Specialist Language Teacher with a specialist interest in vulnerable children.

In this episode, Trish and Emma recommend the book Language for Behaviour and Emotions by Anna Branagan.

They also share four top tips with us:

• 1: The 10-Second Rule: When you ask your child a question, give them ten seconds to process it before expecting an answer. This can feel like a long time, but resist jumping in with more questions.
• 2: The Hand Rule: Think of the five fingers on your hand and remember 1 question to every 4 other types of conversation. Try commenting on what your child has said, repeat back what they’ve been talking about, expand on what they’ve said, and give explanations.
• 3: Scaffolding Questions: After a problem has happened, use simple language and questions to help your child fully explain themselves. You could ask, “What did you do?”, “What did the other person do?” and “What happened next?”
• 4: You are not your behaviour: Children and young people need to hear from us that problems are just a small part of their day. They are not a bad person. Responding positively can help put things in perspective.

You can find Trish and Emma on social media:

• Twitter: @TrishHicken @EmmaBroddle
• Instagram: @trishhicken @emma_broddle
• LinkedIn: Emma Broddle

The My Family Coach podcasts covers every aspect of children’s behaviour, all in handy 15 minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use at home.