Anger and bullying are parts of growing up, but it seems that conventional ways of dealing with these issues fail. Teachers cannot be expected to keep an eye on every student every second. Parents aren’t present in the classroom to defend their third-grader. Kids aren’t taught how to take care of their anger until their anger becomes a problem. What can be done, then, to put a preemptive end to the bullying and let the healing begin?

Educator and author Linda Davis presents an alternative way of looking at juvenile psychological development in Conflict Mediation. Davis uses poetry to describe situations, emotions, and resolutions, followed by questions that delve deeper into the meaning of the poems. From an adult who keeps bullies away to ways of using kind language, this workbook guides students to insights on interpersonal interaction.

From her years of observing children in the public school system, Davis has developed an understanding of what it’s like to be a kid and of all the difficulties being a kid presents. With poems directed toward third to fifth graders, she also directs her words to teachers, parents, and counselors. Childhood should be fun, not scary. By teaching children about the bad stuff, maybe we can help them reach the good stuff—self-esteem, joy, and kindness to others.

Anger and bullying are parts of growing up, but it seems that conventional ways of dealing with these issues fail. Teachers cannot be expected to keep an eye on every student every second. Parents aren’t present in the classroom to defend their third-grader. Kids aren’t taught how to take care of their anger until their anger becomes a problem. What can be done, then, to put a preemptive end to the bullying and let the healing begin?

Educator and author Linda Davis presents an alternative way of looking at juvenile psychological development in Conflict Mediation. Davis uses poetry to describe situations, emotions, and resolutions, followed by questions that delve deeper into the meaning of the poems. From an adult who keeps bullies away to ways of using kind language, this workbook guides students to insights on interpersonal interaction.

From her years of observing children in the public school system, Davis has developed an understanding of what it’s like to be a kid and of all the difficulties being a kid presents. With poems directed toward third to fifth graders, she also directs her words to teachers, parents, and counselors. Childhood should be fun, not scary. By teaching children about the bad stuff, maybe we can help them reach the good stuff—self-esteem, joy, and kindness to others.