ABSTRACT

There should be as many reconciliations as there are conflicts that have to be survived and put up with in the group. People cannot learn to stand up energetically for their opinion when they have experienced, as a consequence, the affection of others being withdrawn; in other words, loss of love being used as a punishment for initiative. Children and young people in particular are dependent on signs of reconciliation; but grown-ups, too, require such calming feedback after controversial exchanges, in order to move freely within the group afterwards – even when they would prefer to think that they are above such things. Reconciliation can be offered directly, verbally, which itself requires high social competence, or games can be used, which inevitably bring people closer to each other. The rest game is particularly suitable as a conclusion to a lively day, but it may be used simply as a means to establish quiet at any time.