Update on the Peace Rose

We have had the Peace Rose on the peace shelf now for about a week.  (For more information about how I initially introduced this, please read this post.)  The children are using it successfully.  They still need some adult assistance, but they are doing well for as little practice as they've had.  There have been a few issues to work through.  Sometimes the child who is on the receiving end of the peace rose doesn't want to talk to the person bringing the rose to them.  I am pretty firm about this, however.  If they choose not to talk about the conflict, I have the other child return the rose to the vase and the child who is refusing to talk has to sit without working until they are ready to resolve the conflict.  Most often they are soon ready to finish their conflict resolution and continue their work.  It actually turns out to be a relief to both children when they can return the rose to the vase.  It is a very tangible way to symbolize that peace has been restored.  I love the Peace Rose.

This weekend my wheels were turning and I came up with a little song about the Peace Rose that I have since taught to the children and that I am going to share here. 

The Peace Rose Song  (TUNE:  Oh, Susanna!)

Oh, when I have a problem, I know just what to do

I go and get the Peace Rose and bring it right to you.

I hold the Peace Rose in my hand and tell you how I feel,

You say, "How can I make it better?" and then give me a turn.

We declare peace;

Oh, we declare peace.

We take the Peace Rose to the vase with a smile on our face.

I like how these simple words help to remind the children of the steps to take when using the Peace Rose.

On a side note, I have reinstituted the Peace Rose in our household.  We have actually had a Peace Rose in a vase in our living room for a few years.  Probably since my oldest son was in preschool; I don't remember exactly.  Anyway, I truthfully confess that the rose has fallen into serious disuse and was gathering dust.  So...........this weekend I reminded the boys that it was there.  Since my youngest son has been using it in the classroom this seemed like a good time to start reinforcing it at home.  Not surprisingly, we have had several opportunities to use the Peace Rose at home.  And sometimes one or both of the boys has been less than enthusiastic about the process. However, each time I have sat with them and coached them through it and each time they truly have had a smile on their faces as they carried the rose back to the vase.  I think it really does feel better to make peace than to hold onto angry feelings.  And hopefully by using the Peace Rose more often, my two boys will come to realize this and internalize it.

I'll end here by wishing you, the reader, peace...........in your home, in your life, in your world, and in your heart.

Comments

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