Johanna (aged 5) and Emily (aged 8) began arguing about a teddy bear that each child was convinced was theirs. My support and belief in their individual stories was exuberantly campaigned.  I listened for a while and thought about how I was going to support the girls in resolving this conflict on their own.

Ruth:  ‘’It seems that both of you think that the teddy bear is yours. I have never seen that teddy bear before so I think that it would be best if you two find a solution to this problem.  I know that you can sort things out.’’

I then left their space and continued with what I was doing. After about 10 minutes I heard laughter and went back to the girls.

Ruth: ‘’I can see that you have both sorted out your problem.
Johanna & Emily (smiling): ‘’Yes and we didn’t need you.’’
Ruth: ‘’Great, well done.’’