Stop the bickering with The Pocket Referee review/giveaway

In our house it usually starts by 7:30 am. I hear the first rumblings during breakfast. Mom, it's my turn to get the blue bowl. Mom, I get to be first at the bus stop. Mom, mom, mom. I have a feeling that I'm not the only parent who hears the continual discussions (bickering) between siblings. Now I have an easy solution to these continual disputes, The Pocket Referee.

What is The Pocket Referee? It is an easy way for kids to resolve disputes themselves without parent intervention. The Pocket Referee is a gold coin that passes from person to person. It is the ultimate peacemaker.

How does it work? The persons with the Ref (i.e. coin) gets the choice but must pass the coin on to the other person. If the coin holder decides the decision isn't worth relinquishing the coin he can keep the coin for another time, but must allow the other person to have his way with the current decision.

For the past couple of weeks, we have used The Pocket Referee. After a few false starts, my kids are getting the concept. I will say they like to keep the coin away from their sibling rather than giving it up. It usually takes a huge decision to give up the coin.

The best part about using The Ref is that I am no longer the decision maker. The kids have to figure out the situation for themselves. The constant cry of mom is gone. Each child is figuring out what is important to "win" and other scenarios that are just silly.

As a former attorney, I am impressed that this simple coin teaches the beginning negotiation skills. Kids are learning what is more powerful conceding a point for future power or immediate gratification. The balance of knowing what you opponent needs and wants is key to understanding negotiation. Over time, the kids will gain insight to what is truly important and what is just plain silly.

The Pocket Referee was named the Dr. Toy Best Vacation product winner. It can be purchased at various retailers.

Do you want (maybe need) The Pocket Referee in your house? I have one to giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Disclosure: I received one to review and one to giveaway. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

4 comments:

  1. The worst child dispute in my house is over little princess dress up shoes that my girls have. They CONSTANTLY fight over who gets to wear which shoes and it drives me up a wall!

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  2. My grandsons are constantly stealing toys away from each other which causes a lot of fights.
    janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com

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  3. Christine SidawayMay 17, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Having 6 kids every little fight seems horrible!

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  4. I would say it is over what movie we watch as a family.

    hollymsc123@aol.com

    ReplyDelete