Our activities aren't just places where conflicts might happen

They're designed to create predictable moments where something deep in our nature surfaces. The adult's role isn't to prevent it, but to see it coming — maybe even set it up intentionally — and then guide through it.

Take the glue stick: one resource, many children, a moment of waiting. Suddenly you see something very human revealed. The same impulse that looks natural at 4 becomes harder to manage at 14, at 40.

We have an opportunity to learn how to work with this inner force when we're little. Later it's harder. Behavior is harder to change as we grow older.

This is the idea behind our activities. We help adults help their kids practice creating together — and practice resolving conflicts in a positive way.

A different way of connecting

We're trying to connect two things that aren't usually connected: a cat and a bear. To do that, we need to shift perspective — move away from defensiveness, toward understanding. Use a bright and calm tone. Playful, but not over-excited. Amend things, not break them.

We don't push people — we direct and point them. We don't use scare tactics or fear. We never make people feel bad or wrong. We simply help children see that different doesn't mean incompatible.