The Good Day/Bad Day Trap: How to Avoid it and What to Do Instead  (for educators)

Instructors: Jenny Barrett and Dr. Anne Townsend

Course Description: We all know the scenario: it’s the end of the day, and a parent or caregiver asks if a child had a "good day" or a "bad day." Or maybe you find yourself using similar phrases like, "She had a better day," or "Today was tough." These responses, while well-intentioned, can create misunderstandings, both for parents and the child.

In this mini-lesson, we explore why the “good day/bad day” trap is not only ineffective but can also complicate communication. You’ll learn practical, time-efficient strategies to offer more constructive feedback at the end of the day. Additionally, we provide a customizable email template to help you introduce this new approach to parents, along with a video link to offer them deeper insight. Say goodbye to the “good day/bad day” trap and communicate more effectively in those end-of-day interactions.

What you will learn:

• Why certain feedback styles can limit communication and social-emotional learning
• How to give feedback that fosters growth and learning for children and their parents

This course includes:

• 1 video lesson you can watch at your convenience
• A sample email template for parents, plus a link to an informative for them to watch