About this book, The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts

Ms. Drew's book is NOT just for kids. In the book, she explains how people can resolve conflict by using some simple and elegant techniques. In addition, the book is written for people ages 11 to 114. The book borrows mostly from the practice of Mediation. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution which uses a Neutral Mediator who helps parties come to a mutually acceptable agreement to end their dispute.

The literature of Mediation is filled with academic treatises using legal and Sociological words which make them often difficult for a regular person to read and integrate. Ms. Drew specifically did NOT write that type of book. Her book teaches concepts and methods by which people can help solve problems that are meaningful to them and others.

In doing so, Ms. Drew uses some special writing ability and her vast experience as a recognized expert in Peer Mediation and School Conflict Resolution. She writes her book in a vernacular using regular words to describe what she is telling the reader. She uses ethnic names of all nationalities to convey that all people can do this type of work, and all people are worthy of respect. She most effectively uses real life examples and information that she gathered from her work and from her survey of Middle School children all over the country. And she reaffirms the belief that everyone is hurt by conflict and everyone can help to fix that problem in society.

It is rare that readers come across a book that gives this much affirmation and assistance in regular life, and is suited for virtually all people in such a vast age range. The book is recommended for almost everyone who has an interest in helping reduce the amount of conflict in the world today. Not just big conflicts like wars, but also regular conflicts that we face everyday as people.

This book is truly a fine example of how people can take their own power and help not only themselves, but those all around them. All who have the wish to reduce pain and hurtfulness in society should read this book.

Working Out Conflicts is divided into eight chapters, which are called steps. Each step will help you increase your ability to be an effective conflict solver. You'll find out how to be respectful yet firm so you can stand up for yourself without making matters worse. You'll learn skills for listening, guidelines for talking out problems, strategies for managing anger and stress, ideas for staying safe, and ways to bring more peace to the wider world. Throughout the book you'll also find:

• Stories and scenarios - real -life examples of conflicts

• Quotes and facts from the students who completed the survey

• Simple activities that let you take a look at your own life

• Self-tests, conflict logs, and other forms you can use to track progress

• Books, websites, and organizations where you can find more information



"Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, 'I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.'"
- Ann Landers

Naomi’s Other Books Hope and Healing: Raising Peaceful Children in an Uncertain World Naomi meets this challenge head on offering practical advice for families dealing with the stress of life’s trials while outlining simple, wise ways to transform our homes into the kinds of safe havens where both children and parents can find nourishment and affirmation. Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids: Practical Ways to Create a Calm and Happy Home Naomi helps parents do the most pressing job of our times: create peace, one family at a time. What can you do to help your children cope with stress? How can you give them the skills for talking over problems, instead of fighting about them? Where can you find time to help your kids to be less volatile, more cooperative and much happier? Naomi has the answers. Learning the Skills of Peacemaking This book was one of the first to introduce peacemaking to public education. Hailed as visionary, her work has enabled educators, parents, and people of all ages to live these skills on a daily basis. This is a K-6 activity guide on resolving conflict, communicating, and cooperating. Teach kids the concrete skills they need to get along! The Peaceful Classroom in Action This easy to read book will certainly provide teachers with many creative ideas, exercises, skills and materials for helping children learn peacemaking. This is a K-6 activity guide on how to create one and how to keep it!

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Speaking without listening, hearing without understanding is like snipping an electrical cord in two, then plugging it in anyway, hoping that something will light up." - Michael P. Nichols Resources from Naomi What You Need to Know About Cyberbullying 12 Ways to Help Your Kids Stop Fighting Family Meetings: Guidelines Win/Win Guidelines for Working Out Conflicts For more articles, tip sheets and resources visit learningpeace.com “It is best to win without fighting.” - Sun Tzu