You Can’t Make Me! What That Really Means?
🚀 Episode Title: You Can’t Make Me! What That Really Means📢 EPISODE OVERVIEW:Every teacher knows that moment—the eye contact, the crossed arms, and the words that stop you in your tracks: “You can’t make me.” Whether it’s refusing to follow directions, do classwork, or even just sit down, defiance can throw your whole lesson off balance.In this episode, behavior consultant Joshua Ruse breaks down what that phrase really means—and why it’s not always about disrespect. You'll learn how to respond in a way that de-escalates the moment, preserves your connection with students, and leads to real behavior change over time.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why defiance usually masks deeper struggles like trauma, frustration, or fear.✅ What not to say when a student challenges you.✅ 4 research-backed tools to defuse defiant behavior without escalating.✅ How to build trust with even your most challenging students.🎧 LISTEN NOW – Hit play and let’s rethink how we respond to “You can’t make me.”🔥 Key Takeaways from This Episode:🧠 What’s Really Behind “You Can’t Make Me”• Defiance is often a sign of something else—stress, trauma, or feeling out of control.• According to Dr. Ross Greene: “Kids do well if they can.” So if they’re not, something’s in the way.• Get curious, not confrontational.🚫 What NOT to Do in the Moment• Avoid sarcasm, public corrections, and threats you won’t follow through on.• Stay calm. Step back if you need to.• A simple, low-pressure phrase like “I’m here to help, not to fight” can shift the tone instantly.🛠️ What Actually WorksControlled Choices – Offer options instead of demands.Private Conversations – Save tough talks for when emotions cool down.Connection Before Correction – Build trust before correcting behavior.Reset Phrases – “Let’s take a break and come back to this,” keeps the door open.👀 Pro tip: It’s not about winning—it’s about helping your students learn how to respond when things feel hard.✅ Classroom Challenge of the Week!Think of one student who pushes back regularly. Instead of giving them a command, try offering them a small choice—where to sit, what tool to use, or how to start an assignment. Then, DM me on Instagram @MrJoshuaRuse and tell me how it went. I’d love to celebrate your win! 📌 RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:🎓 Want more classroom management strategies?🚀 Enroll in my course: "Effective Classroom Management Strategies and Beyond"🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/positive-behavior-intervention-support-training-programs-for-teachers/?kw=Effective+classroom+manage&src=sac&couponCode=ST9MT71624 📩 Sign up for my weekly newsletter for exclusive tips & classroom hacks! https://emailnewsletter.phonesites.com 🔗 Follow me for daily behavior strategies:YouTube: @MrJoshuaRuse📸 Instagram: @MrJoshuaRuse📘 Facebook: @MrJoshuaRuse💼 LinkedIn: @MrJoshuaRuse🎧 If you loved this episode, don’t forget to:⭐ Leave a 5-star review📢 Share this with a fellow teacher who needs it🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!