Mediator

Laurie spends a fair amount of time teaching conflict resolution to the toddlers. She does it in such a way that they get to make decisions about how to respond to each other; she speaks gently and with respect, states the problem, asks how they might resolve it and gives them options. It's the kind of critical thinking and nonviolent communication I wish more of us learned at an early age. And I certainly wish some politicians would learn it!

Of course, if things get out of hand, if someone might get hurt, she employs more direct methods of stopping the behavior!

In this moment, Ms. C and Mr. L are having a disagreement about the boat. Ms. C pushed Mr. L, and he pushed back. After the conflict was resolved, they resumed their play. They do get over their tiffs so quickly! It's one thing I love about watching them, they're so in the moment. Good lessons for all of us.

Here are a few more photos of their play on the boat and on its reverse side, the climber. Notice Kendall's Taiga photo on the wall behind Laurie. The children love looking at it.