Conflict resolution made easy: How to become a conflict hero!

Conflict resolution made easy in the Neflental

A new summer's day begins in the Neflental valley. The sun is already high in the sky and its rays paint golden and amber-coloured patterns on the meadows. Today is a glorious high, the most beautiful time of the year. Small lakes reflect the light everywhere, as if sparks of fire were dancing on the water. The air is filled with laughing voices as many people celebrate on the riverbank. Colourful lanterns float in the quiet twilight. The morning dew glitters like scattered gemstones on the pearl slope.

A dispute begins on the pearl slope

On this special day, Rosa Periwinkle meets up with her friends on the soft grass of the pearl slope. Together they want to lay out figures on the slope that glow in the light. Their fabrics sparkle emerald green, coral red and sapphire blue in the sun. But suddenly two friends get into an argument because they both want to put up the same glowing golden lantern. Their voices get louder and louder and the festive mood changes.

Rosa Periwinkle watches her friends. She sees disappointment and anger on their faces. The other children step sheepishly from one foot to the other. Some whisper or look sadly at the ground. The colours of summer lose their brilliance because there is no harmony.

Conflict resolution through listening and understanding

Rosa Periwinkle takes a deep breath and suggests: "Let's listen to each other." One by one, the friends explain why the golden lantern is so important to them. While the friends talk, everyone listens attentively. No one interrupts the others. It's not easy, and sometimes it takes courage. But the friends can feel how listening makes them calmer.

After a while, everyone understands why the others like the lantern too. One of them tells us that his granddad used to tell him about the glittering lanterns at the festival of the glorious high days. The other loves the golden light because it reminds him of a rare ray of sunshine in winter. Hearts become lighter because everyone feels heard.

How to find a solution together

Rosa Immergrün asks: "What can we do to make everyone happy?" The children think together. They decide to place the golden lantern in the centre of the square. Then they put their colourful fabrics around it. The light shines in all directions. Now everyone can see the beautiful glow and no one remains sad.

The party continues. Friendly voices and laughter fill the air. Peace returns to the Perlenhang. The summer evening at the Glanzhoch remains a special experience for everyone. Rosa Periwinkle and her friends discover that they are strong together. They realise that every quarrel can come to a happy end if everyone joins in.

What do we learn from this?

Disputes often start quickly, but they can be resolved. Listening, asking questions and thinking things through together helps. Everyone can say how they feel. And in the end, friends find a solution that is good for everyone. What's particularly nice is that the splendour and colours return to the Neflental when peace reigns again. So everyone becomes a war hero!

You want the book Order "Pink evergreen and the golden oak leaf" - click here!. Also like to take Contact the author Kira Kimmelmann at or read more short stories by Pink evergreen here.