The clock struck seven, a gentle reminder that it was time for Charlie’s bedtime routine to begin. It had been a long day, filled with school, playdates, and far too many sweets. As I tucked him into bed, I felt a sense of dread wash over me; I knew the usual routine had a tendency to spiral out of control.

I started with the obligatory story, a lovely tale about a brave little mouse. But as I read, Charlie’s eyelids fluttered hypnotically, and before long, I realised I was losing him to the realms of sleep before I could even reach the climax of the story. Just as I contemplated whether to let him drift off, he jolted awake and suddenly declared, “Mummy! I need a glass of water!”

I sighed, but off I went to fetch the drink. Upon my return, I found him sitting up, eyes wide with the sort of energy that could only mean trouble. “Mummy, I’m not tired! Can we play a game?” His plea was too enthusiastic; this could not end well.

Desperate to restore some semblance of order, I suggested a quick game of “I Spy.” However, time ticked on, and soon he was bouncing out of bed, the game utterly forgotten. “I just need to get my teddy!” he yelled, making a beeline for the door.

In that moment, I realised my error. The usual routine wasn’t enough; we needed a bit of structure and some gentle firmness. So, I took a deep breath, walked back to his bedside, and softly yet assertively said, “Right, Charlie, let’s make a new plan together. We’ll pick a story, then have a quick cuddle before saying goodnight. How does that sound?”

His face brightened with the prospect of collaboration, and we soon agreed on a streamlined routine that included a set storytime, a lullaby, and a firm but loving reminder that bedtime was, in fact, bedtime.

As I tucked him in for the second time that night, I felt relieved. The routine, though disrupted, had been salvaged by a gentle nudge in the right direction. As I turned off the light, I could hear him whispering to his teddy, and for the first time that evening, I felt confident that we’d both have a restful night ahead.

Teaching conflict resolution is an essential skill that can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and foster a harmonious environment, whether in schools, workplaces, or communities. Here’s a concise guide on how to approach this important subject.

1. Create a Safe Environment: Begin by establishing a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Emphasise the importance of respect and confidentiality to encourage open communication.

2. Identify the Conflict: Help participants articulate the specific conflict they are facing. Encourage them to express their perspectives without interrupting one another. This sets the foundation for understanding differing viewpoints.

3. Active Listening: Teach the skill of active listening, where individuals focus on what the other person is saying rather than formulating their response. This fosters empathy and often leads to a deeper understanding of the issue at hand.

4. Explore Solutions Together: Facilitate a brainstorming session where all parties can suggest possible solutions. Encourage creativity and collaboration, reinforcing that the goal is a mutually beneficial resolution.

5. Agree on a Plan: Once solutions are discussed, guide participants to agree on a consensus or a specific plan of action. It’s vital that everyone feels their voice has been heard in this process.

6. Follow Up: Finally, emphasise the importance of follow-up. After implementing the agreed-upon solution, check in to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the outcome and that the conflict has been effectively resolved.

By integrating these steps into training sessions, educators and facilitators can equip individuals with the necessary tools to navigate and resolve conflicts amicably and constructively.

The DBT Problem Solving Worksheet is a practical tool used within Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help individuals navigate complex problems and emotions. This structured approach encourages users to systematically break down a dilemma into manageable components. The worksheet typically prompts individuals to identify the specific problem, consider the emotions that arise, and brainstorm potential solutions while weighing the pros and cons of each option.

By fostering a clear and methodical thought process, the DBT Problem Solving Worksheet aids in reducing emotional distress and promotes a more balanced perspective. This tool not only encourages self-reflection but also cultivates essential problem-solving skills, empowering individuals to approach challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource in the therapeutic journey, helping individuals develop more adaptive coping strategies.

Design Thinking is a powerful approach that encourages creativity and problem-solving, and it can be particularly beneficial for children. In her engaging workshops and resources, Meri Cherry emphasises the importance of building empathy as a foundational element of this process. By guiding kids through the stages of Design Thinking—empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing—she helps them to not only understand their own perspectives but also to deeply consider the feelings and needs of others.

Meri’s activities are designed to foster collaboration and critical thinking while allowing children to express their ideas freely. She believes that when kids learn to connect with others on an emotional level, they become more effective problem-solvers. Through hands-on projects, storytelling, and interactive play, children develop essential skills such as communication, creativity, and compassion—traits that will serve them well in all areas of life. Her approach not only nurtures young innovators but also cultivates a generation of empathetic leaders who value community and collaboration.