Conflict is normal, it is how we learn to solve issues.  It’s how we handle it, that counts.  Do we get angry, and say and do things we later regret (break things or hurt someone’s feelings)?  Or do we take time to calm down, consider the situation and use our words to negotiate a win – win solution?

There will always be situations that we are not in agreement over.  There will always be people who annoy us or ‘push our buttons’ or ‘trigger’ us in some way.  At River Oaks Elementary, we teach students to use different ways /  tools to solve differences with others and handle annoying people.  We teach calming techniques i.e., take deep breaths, count to 10, take a walk and get a drink of water, write in a journal or talk to a trusted person.  We also teach a strategie called ‘De-Bug’.  1.  Ignore (don’t look at them or talk back (no arguing); turn your shoulder to that person)  2. Talk friendly the first time and tell the person to stop.  3.  Talk firmly and tell the person to stop. 4.  Move away.    5. Tell an Adult.

These are just a few of the strategies that we use at River Oaks Elementary.  As adults, its helpful to practice these strategies first, keep ourselves calm and ‘grounded’ and in doing so we will be role models for our children in positively handling conflict.

If you have any questions or comments or would like to talk it out about your personal situation with your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me by calling 313 827-8660  Ms. Leslie A.

Eating the Rainbow

Pledge of Nonviolence

This is the Family Pledge of Nonviolence.  Links to other Pledge versions are below.

Institute for Peace and Justice

Family Pledge of Nonviolence

Making peace must start within ourselves and in our family.
Each of us, members of the ______________________
family, commit ourselves as best we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people:

To Respect Self and Others
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism,
hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

To Communicate Better
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully.

To Listen
To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others’ feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.

To Forgive
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another,
to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.

To Respect Nature
To treat the environment and all living things,
including our pets, with respect and care.

To Play Creatively
To select entertainment and toys that support our family’s values and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

To Be Courageous
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is our pledge.  These are our goals.  We will check ourselves on what we have pledged once a month on  ___________  for the next twelve months so that we can help each other become more peaceable people.

Pledging family members sign below:

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

“Eliminating violence, one family at a time, starting with our own.”

The Family Pledge of Nonviolence is available in many versions and  languages.  To view and print each of the following, please click on the version or language wanted. They are in either Text or PDF format.  PDF format requires use of Acrobat Reader which is available free on the Adobe Website. Click here to download Acrobat.

You are free to make copies of the pledge as long as you keep the Institute for Peace and Justice name and contact information on the copies.

1. A consistent routine with 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
2. Healthy food:  Eat the Rainbow -all colors of fruits, vegetables and protein at every meal.  Stay away from junk food-pop and candy.
3. Minimum of 1 hour of play (outside: running, climbing, bicycling, swimming, soccer).
4. Limit screen time to the weekends (stay off of violent video games and movies).
5. Spend time daily on home work. Reading 30 min.  Math 15 min.
6. Teach your child to work with you doing daily chores in and around the home.
7. Spend time sharing stories and feelings from your day, give eye contact to your child and hugs.