Community Starts at Home: Ways to Use Restorative Practices with Our Own Families
Restorative Practices, the process for building community, repairing harm, and restoring relationships, is a way Lake Orion Community Schools enhances relationships, addresses conflict, and “makes things right” when the unexpected happens. In our current world – with all the uncertainty, conflicting news reports, palpable uneasiness, and routine/social disconnections, Restorative Practices can be a real difference-maker in our collective and personal handling of our current situations. We know the routines of our work, personal, and family lives have been changed drastically and we are already adjusting to these events. However, one of the first places we can feel the impact of Restorative Practices is in our own homes. As parents and families, we are discovering a new normal for daily routines and Restorative Practices can be a part of the game plan in managing relationships and handling conflict when it comes up in the family.
Community Starts at Home: Ways to Use Restorative Practices with Our Own Families
Restorative Practices, the process for building community, repairing harm, and restoring relationships, is a way Lake Orion Community Schools enhances relationships, addresses conflict, and “makes things right” when the unexpected happens.
In our current world – with all the uncertainty, conflicting news reports, palpable uneasiness, and routine/social disconnections, Restorative Practices can be a real difference-maker in our collective and personal handling of our current situations.
We know the routines of our work, personal, and family lives have been changed drastically and we are already adjusting to these events. However, one of the first places we can feel the impact of Restorative Practices is in our own homes.
As parents and families, we are discovering a new normal for daily routines and Restorative Practices can be a part of the game plan in managing relationships and handling conflict when it comes up in the family.
Restorative Practices at Home
Restorative practices focus on having positive relationships. When we make a mistake, they ask us to take responsibility for our behavior and make amends. At the heart of restorative practices is the belief that we are all in this together. At home, this can include taking responsibility for keeping spaces clean or for the choices we make, having positive relationships with family and friends, and being respectful of those around us. Restorative practices support children in learning how to create healthy relationships and how to resolve conflicts.
Circles to Connect as a Family
What’s a circle?
Circles are a great tool for having meaningful conversations as a family. After someone decides a topic, every member of the family gets their turn to share their response without interruption. Everyone’s voice matters, and we all get to know one another a little better.
When could I do a circle?
● During meals or while preparing meals
● During car rides
● During bedtime or morning routines
● Preparing for something stressful
● Through texting
Circles Prompts for Home
1. Sweet: a good part of your day,
Sour: hard part of your day,
Service: something kind you did for someone else
2. Goal for the day
3. One thing everyone should know is...
4. One thing I am grateful for is...
5. Something I did well today was…
6. Something I saw someone else in our family do well today was…
7. I am feeling ____ about (current event) because….
8. Reflections after a test
9. Reflections after a sporting/club event or other activity
Source: Jeffco Restorative Practices
