How to Fight Fair

Gr 7 Up—Learning to fight fair in a close relationship can be a daunting task. This program makes the job a lot easier by presenting four real-life combative situations and offering realistic solutions that are agreeable to both parties. Young actors portray boyfriend/girlfriend couples who are having an argument. In the first scenario, Spencer demonstrates uncontrolled anger and his runaway emotions don't allow for a fair fight. In the second scene, Sam is sarcastic and vague about why Macaela's actions are bothering him, and then he walks away before a resolution can be reached. The next situation involves an argument in which both parties bring up old differences and past pain. In the final vignette, both people are trying to win the fight without attempting to reach a compromise. After each argument, the host explains what the couple could have done differently to resolve their issues. Skills that are important for teens to learn and use in order to maintain a healthy relationship are emphasized. The production quality is superb and the pacing is perfect. Bonus materials include a reinforcing conversation between two social workers. This DVD would be useful in classroom settings, church groups, and guidance classes or workshops.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN