"If you can get across to kids that you care, that it's important, that they're important, that solves most of the problem."
Gina Simm, author of 'Heart to Heart, Three Systems for Staying Connected,' shares her journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and applying it in her classroom. She discusses the power of empathy cards for children and how they can facilitate communication and conflict resolution. Gina also introduces the concept of the Wheel of Choice, a system that provides children with various options for resolving conflicts.
Her book 'Heart to Heart' includes 14 lessons that teach NVC principles and the use of the Wheel of Choice.
In this conversation, Gina Simm and Nate Guadagni discuss the power of empathy and connection in resolving conflicts and meeting needs. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the intention to connect rather than solely on problem-solving.
Gina offers workshops, coaching, and resources for parents and educators interested in implementing NVC in their lives.
Website: https://www.teachingfromyourheart.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginasimmcreator
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.simm.9
About the Host:
Nate Guadagni is an NVC based Life Coach with over 15 years of experience in coaching and group facilitation. He is also a Qigong teacher, the founder of Bo Yoga, an accessible yoga system and Balance for Life, a senior fitness program.
Tools discussed in this episode:
Heart to Heart Book & Empathy Cards for Kids
1) DOWNLOAD the NVC Template Pack here:
• The Magic Formula - 4 Step NVC Process
• List of Basic Needs We All Have
• Feelings When Your Needs Are Not Satisfied
• Feelings When Your Needs Are Satisfied
Additional Resources:
Language of Life Community - Weekly Group Classes
Free Templates, Coaching, & Resources: Language of Life Website
NVC Teaching Videos - YouTube
Apply to be a guest on the Podcast - Free NVC Coaching
Books and Trainings - CNVC Official Website
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:34 Discovering NVC and the Cherry Hill Co-Housing Community
06:12 Using Empathy Cards in an Empathy Session
09:12 The Power of Naming Feelings and Needs
12:40 Facilitating Empathy Sessions with Children
20:22 The Value of Posters and Storytelling
24:26 The Three Systems in 'Heart to Heart'
27:04 The Power of Empathy and Connection
30:04 Using the Wheel of Choice
33:14 Teaching Requests and Needs
36:29 The Spiritual Aspect of NVC
38:02 Transforming Relationships and Communities
49:06 Workshops, Coaching, and Resources
Key Takeaways
- Empathy cards for children can be a powerful tool for communication and conflict resolution.
- The Wheel of Choice provides children with various options for resolving conflicts.
- Teaching NVC principles and the use of the Wheel of Choice explicitly and integrating them into the daily schedule can create a child-centered environment for moving through conflict.
- The book 'Heart to Heart' includes 14 lessons that teach NVC principles and the use of the Wheel of Choice. Focusing on empathy and connection is more effective than solely problem-solving in resolving conflicts.
- The intention to connect is the ultimate goal in addressing problems with children.
- The Wheel of Choice is a powerful tool for empowering children to make choices and meet their needs.
- Explicitly teaching the concepts of requests and needs can enhance communication and understanding.
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC) has a spiritual aspect and can transform relationships and communities.
- Gina Simm offers workshops, coaching, and resources for parents and educators interested in implementing NVC.
