Finding a Way to Play

This video features two young boys as they find different ways of playing together. They each find different toys and sometimes even work on different activities, but they find a way to play together.

Double Dutch Disagreement

Marnicka, Precious, and Francheska have been playing Double Dutch jump rope for years. But they disagree on how they know when to jump. Francheska says she listens to the beat of the rope. Prescious says she looks for the rope. Marnicka says she does both. When they get their friends together to test it out, they get some interesting results. Spanish video version and bilingual activities are available under support materials.

Taking Sides

Explore the problems and tensions created by misunderstandings and the inability to listen to diverse points of view in this video from the PBS KIDS series ARTHUR. When best friends Arthur and Buster disagree about what happened while they were playing a game, they begin a “feud” that spreads among their friends. Fueled by gossip, the characters split into warring “teams.” Eventually, the friends resolve their differences and come together to build the best snow fort ever.

Hugging It Out

Watch the video together. Then play, “1, 2, 3, hug it out.” Go to opposite ends of the room. Take three deep breaths and then run to each other and give each other a big hug. Try this game when children are having any big emotions, whether they’re good feelings or not-so-good ones. (If the emotion is really big, just go straight for the hug!). Let children know that they can still “hug it out” even if you’re not around: giving a favorite stuffed animal (or a pillow!) a big squeeze can help children find comfort on their own.

Resolving Conflict

We all learn to control anger, stand up for ourselves and resolve conflict through practice. Imaginary play is a fun and safe way to help children prepare for difficult moments, such as what to do when conflict arises at daycare, at school or with siblings. Let your child know that sometimes we do things that upset others or make them mad — and sometimes we get upset or mad, too. When that happens, we can start to solve the problem by using our words to say we’re sorry or explain why we’re upset. Let’s practice!

Encouragement Jar

Daily encouragements help kids learn to support themselves when the going gets tough, as well as start the day off right! Your child can pull a card from their jar every morning or whenever she needs a boost.