School yard fights, unruly bullies and verbal taunts. Each year, these age-old problems are dealt with by "traditional" methods: interventions by teachers, trips to the principal´s office or even expulsion. Dealing with this behavior takes a great deal of time on the part of teachers, parents and school administrators, and can scar a child for life.
"I had to start wearing glasses when I was in the second grade. To this day, I still remember people calling me four-eyes...how hurt I was,” said Carol Lumpkin, president of The Peace Rug, Inc. (ToyDirectory). "I wish that I had been able to speak out and resolve the issue, instead of continuing to let it fester."
The Peace Rug ($129.99) is a research-based, proven effective program that teaches kids how to resolve conflict on their own. The rug stops hurt feelings and arguments quickly and easily before they escalate into physical violence or require teacher or parent involvement.
The Peace Rug Program marries a 3´ x 5´ sky-colored rug and years of experience in counseling psychology to teach responsible behavior, develop social skills and impart children with problem-solving techniques. Invented by Dr. Helen B. McIntosh, a school counselor with a doctorate in counseling psychology and former Elementary Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator, the program reinforces positive behavior and good character qualities by encouraging children to invite the other party to resolve conflict respectfully.
The Peace Rug provides a safe place for discussions, as well as a special dialogue that allows each person to feel equal in his or her ability to express feelings without escalating into anger. Easy to use, it is changing the culture of schools—in the classroom, in the hallways and in the cafeteria.
