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Directions: It can be helpful to practice difficult conversations. Read the scenarios and respond to the questions. Think of the conversation that you would have with each staff member.

Scenario 1:

Travis teaches toddlers in your program. He seems to always have a cold. You often hear him laugh and say, “You know these kids. You just can’t avoid 2-year-olds’ germs.” After spending some time in his classroom, you were startled to see him pull a dirty handkerchief out of his pocket, blow his nose, and continue playing with the children. He washed his hands at obvious times (like after diapering, before serving snack, after coming indoors), but he seemed completely unaware that he was coughing, sneezing, and blowing his nose without washing his hands. He reminded children to wash their hands when they sneezed, but he did not seem to follow the directions himself.

1. How would you start the conversation to lead to a positive response from Travis?
    
2. What phrases, styles, or conversation techniques make it less likely for Travis to get angry or defensive?
    

Scenario 2:

Now imagine you are visiting the school-age program. Before the children arrive, you stop into the staff restroom. While you are washing your hands, you notice Trish walk out of a stall, check her hair in the mirror, and walk out the door. She did not wash her hands.

1. How would you start the conversation to lead to a positive response from Travis?
    
2. What phrases, styles, or conversation techniques make it less likely for Travis to get angry or defensive?