Thinking together


Reflective discussions with family and professionals
A key part of In-the-Picture involves having reflective discussions with family and professionals, about issues that have emerged from the other perspectives. These discussions can inform everyone’s thinking and understanding. In this section you are going to explore in a little more detail how this can be done and also complete two activities in which you reflect on the issues that can arise.

How can reflective discussions happen?
The reflective discussion is first and foremost a place to ask questions. You are drawing on the things you have observed, the conversations you will have had about the photographs and the general experiences you bring with you. These discussions can take place in cafes and kitchens, driving in a car or walking to the park, in a sitting room or an office, a playroom or a hall. Wherever it is the participants need to feel relaxed and capable of sharing private thoughts. But they should happen as soon as possible after you have used the other perspectives.

The discussion might revolve around the possible meaning in observations; what they might be saying about things that were happening to - and around - the child. You could focus upon what lessons might be applied to supporting the child, or perhaps upon your understandings of who the child is, or their relationship with the parent or yourself or their peers. To have these kinds of discussions, the participants need to be open to possibilities, rather than prioritising an explanation or solution. It is an opportunity to come up with ideas you can try out and to explore differences in your interpretation of things. You can look for patterns across a period of time or focus upon an instant. 

Last modified: Wednesday, 23 November 2022, 3:44 PM