Discussion Questions

Growing up, do you remember saying to yourself, “When I have kids I will (or won’t) do things differently than my parents”? What made you want to do things differently, and what things do you think your parents did well? (Adapted from the opening questions on p. 26)
Understanding a child’s history is what helps us understand their behavior. Oftentimes in our work, we don’t know a child’s history. Share some strategies or a story you have for how you have been able to use detective work to understand what a child’s behavior indicates about their history.
What are some of the sensory needs you have noticed in the kids you serve? How can you help meet those needs?
Learning about a child’s fear response to sensory overload can be very interesting, but are you able to look at a child in the moment and see the indicators of fear (rapid and shallow breathing, tightened jaw muscles, and dilated pupils)? Share about a time when you did notice, and what you did once you understood what was happening.
Dr. Purvis shared that the heart of God is that we are connected in order to be whole. Read 1 Corinthians 12-13 and write a verse that you want to meditate on throughout the week as you pursue connection with others in Christ.
Share some insights you gained about yourself or a child you serve (or preferably both!) from using the chart on pp. 30-31.