Suggested Resolution Tools - WEEK 3

Note these Bible verses about anger and quarreling.

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.  Proverbs 20:3

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.  Ecclesiastes 7:9

Fools vent their anger,
    but the wise quietly hold it back.  Proverbs 29:11

Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.    Proverbs 20:11

Here are some suggestions to help work out differences before they become conflicts:

Rocks-Scissors-Paper is a quick way to settle a dispute and continue a fun activity with a friend or a sibling, but it only works with TWO players.
TWO partners play a quick round by pounding an open palm with the other fist. On the third pound "declare" showing a rock, or a scissors, or a paper. Check to see who won and then abide by the outcome. If someone argues about the outcome, the arguer automatically forfeits the win.
If there is a tie, go again, otherwise, play only ONCE to settle a disagreement.


An inbound arrow is helpful to make sure teams have the same opportunity to get their way. 
Attach the arrow to a small box, or make it a wall hanging with a top and bottom hook.
When there is a difference of opinion, look to see which team gets their way. Immediately after use, turn the arrow over to point the other way for the next time it is needed. Turning the arrow may need to be an assigned job so it is completed consistently.


Using a six-sided die can make sure everyone has the same opportunity to get their way. Be advised that there is a law of averages that comes into play with this resolution tool.
It is a good idea to have a designated "roller" for each day of the week. That way disputes about who rolls are avoided. Only one roll should be required to settle a family disagreement.



The game spinner is a great way to settle  arguments. 
THE WINNING NUMBER IS 1. The first player to spin a one gets his/her way. All other spins don't count because the FIRST "ONE" is the winner. This could keep the troops busy if the number 1 is illusive on any given day.
This spinner can also be used as a discipline tool. The offender must spin to see how many minutes s/he sits in the time-out chair. 
Always have a minute minder on hand to keep accurate time.


Another option is "I'm Thinking of a Number." Usually an adult initiates this option and decides the choice parameters. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the number of players by 5 to decide the scope of the possible choices. 
If five children are playing then the adult would say, "I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 25." When everyone has picked a number, the chosen number is revealed. Then each player must decipher how close they are to the chosen number. Closest guess wins. (Use Rocks, Scissors, Paper if there is a tie.) 
A responsible child can also choose a number but then of course they can't guess. If your players are learning addition and subtraction, this game can motivate them to hone their mathematics skills.

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