Why Are Relationships with Pupils So Important—Even When They’re Difficult?
You might be the only trusted adult some of your pupils will meet. That’s why the relationship matters. That’s also why they test you.
Q: Why do some pupils argue constantly with me?
A: For some young people, conflict is a learned form of connection. If their home life has been filled with negative interactions, they may view challenging authority as a normal—or even safe—interaction.
Q: Should I take it personally?
A: No. It’s not about you. It’s about how they understand adult-child relationships. Your calm, consistent presence is quietly reshaping that model—even if you don’t see immediate results.
Q: How do I build trust with difficult pupils?
A: Be firm, fair, and always follow through. Don't promise more than you can deliver. Show that you care through consistency, not just kindness.
Top Tips
Greet every pupil by name—even the tricky ones.
Stay calm when challenged; your reaction is your message.
Don’t give up—connection often begins with conflict.
How GTG Educate Can Help
We support schools with pastoral training and relationship-focused tuition strategies that centre emotional intelligence in the learning process.
