074 Roots charter school and 243 with Tyler Bastian

I love to share goodness.  This podcast is just that.  Tyler Bastian, the founder and principal of Roots charter school is a human being who is making a huge difference in this world.  His school serves at risk students who may have failed in other schools, who may have been expelled or are court ordered to be there.  This school is a working farm, they have 5 acres with animals, a garden, flowers etc.  All the kids are active participants at the farm.

The philosophy at Roots is 2-4-3 which means We Love You.  Tyler says it is plastered all over the school where you never turn a corner without seeing it.  Their driving force and motivation in working with these kids is unconditional and powerful love.   If a student has a behavioral issue, the first thing they ask them is "Do you know I love you?"  If the students says no, they ask them which adult at the school they feel loves them, then they go get that person and that person talks through the issues with the student.

Tyler says everyone has a voice at their school. He says often we talk about empowering our kids but don't actually want to give them power.  At Roots Tyler says the only difference between him and the students is that he has been on the earth longer than them.  There aren't power plays at this school, they value each student as much as each teacher and show respect and love toward each person.  

He says the behaviors of not going to school, defiance, failing grades are all symptoms of deeper issues and until we get to the root cause we won't actually help the kids. 

You can't love them out of their struggles, but you can love them through it. 

He suggests that parents slow down their reactions to their kids.  Take a pause and soften your approach.  Ask more questions, listen more than you talk.  He says when your kids welcome you into their world, go along as a passenger and don't be a back seat driver.  Let them guide their path and you go along as a guide and support.

If we aren't enjoying our kids, then WE need to change so we can enjoy them.  Play is a powerful way to connect with our kids. 

Separate their grades and behaviors from your relationship, divorce who they are and who you are from their behaviors and words.  Love them through it.

Follow Tyler on instagram

https://www.rootshigh.org