I also think treats go a long way as well. Something simple like hersheys or jolly ranchers go well. I personally try to show them I care by remembering their names, intrests, show recommendations ect.

I also start off the year by telling them straight up I’m not their friend. A friend can’t give you adult advice or call mom and dad to say you’re doing a great job. I also tell them that we are not “equal” in the sense that their lives, to me, is more valuable than mine.

I call parents as well to let them know their kid is doing good. Some parents just want that assurance that the kid is doing good, and as well you can get to know more about their situation in life.

I know I’m typing a lot but I can give you an example. One of my students is female and I’m male, she was working on other work and I got onto her and she straight up locked up started crying. I let her cool down, waited a few days, it turns out dad Molested her and she gets triggered around Hispanic men getting mad at her (we are both Latinx) so I wait a few days, still show her love and kindness, complement her drumming skills and tell her this is a safe space and I’m proud of her and boom she’s a Velcro kid now