Au Pair in America’s Expert Series continues, with a special session on Conflict Resolution and Relationship Building.
Au Pair in America’s Commitment to Support
At Au Pair in America, we’re experts in great child care and cultural exchange. We also love partnering with other experts in fields important to our community. Our “Expert Series” is just one facet of Au Pair in America’s commitment to providing unparalleled support and resources to our participants. We pride ourselves on addressing a wide range of topics crucial to the well-being and success of host families and au pairs, from safety and sleep to communication and relationship building.
In the latest installment in our fan-favorite Expert Series, we brought in a very special guest to discuss conflict resolution and relationship building.
Ben Cook, mediation and conflict resolution expert and co-founder of Au Pair Weekend, presented “Escaping the Charging Gorilla: How to Resolve Conflict with Co-Workers, Host Families, Au Pairs… and Just about Anyone!”
In this session, Ben focused on the essential skills of communication, relationship building, and effective problem-solving. Host families, au pairs, and Au Pair in America staff walked away with a better understanding of the human brain, as well as how we react to conflict. Ben shared ways to use the “Mindset-First” approach to conflict resolution, a method that is not only effective but also sustainable in resolving conflicts and improving relationships.
About Ben Cook:
Most of Ben’s professional experience has been in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution. He’s the co-founder of Walking Distance, a non-profit organization that focuses on dispute resolution and peace-building. Prior to his non-profit work, Ben was a tenured law professor and taught courses on negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution, and directed a legal clinic focused on dispute system design. He trained as a mediator through the Harvard Mediation Program, and taught negotiation at the Harvard Negotiation Institute. He is co-author of the book Advanced Negotiation and Mediation: Concepts, Skills, and Exercises. Ben and his wife Lora live in Del Mar, California. They have three boys, and he has been a host dad to four au pairs.
Stay Connected for Future Opportunities!
If you missed the latest webinar, don’t worry! Stay tuned for upcoming events and webinars as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best support in the business. Be sure to follow us on social media and explore our website for even more great resources.
