Raccoon Circle Video

The first moment I saw this video on the Family Tutorial DVD with the Aponte family I loved it. I am a very big fan ofsimulation learning experiences. Probably because out of the ways to learn (auditory, visual, or kinesthetic) I am definitely a kinesthetic learner. I think we all learn best by doing because itinvolves all 3 different paths, which also uses all those parts of the brain simultaneously.

I am so excited to finally share with you this Raccoon Circle video with you– Big thanks to Quin for making it for us! As you watch you’ll notice the contrasting of the idea between the Tug-o-War verses the Raccoon Circle. During the discussion one of the daughters nails it when she talks about the feeling of the two different experiences. As I see it the Tug-of-War feels contentious like your pulling and tearing at each other. I think intuitively we understand that pulling against each othercannot be good for our relationships. The Raccoon Circle feels cooperative, like you’re working together. It has the potential to build and to create synergy. One thing I love about this contrastis that each person must do their job, or else the whole circle fails.It is by pulling together that we win as a team.

I also love what Nicholeen says about how to recognize a power struggle. See if you can learn better how to recognize one in your home.

I encourage you towatch this video with your families. Prepare bygetting a rope that will fit the size of your family then invite them todo this with you. Just say, “Okay, let’sdo these games together.” (Allowing of course the possiblility that anyone could disagree appropriately.) Then give an instruction for every one to grab the rope. Use this simulation exercise as practice to work on giving clear instructions and creating a good feeling of clear communication. We all work together better when we understand what we’re doing.

After you do this with your family,talk about it.Contrast the two different feelings in each of the games. Then talk about the kind of family you want to have. You could begin by asking questions like “So let’s talk about it. How did it feel in the first game? What was the feeling in the second game? What does it look like in our home when we are having a Tug-o-war? What would we be doing? What are the consequences of this (Feelings, relationships, etc) What does it look like when we are being like a Raccoon Circle family? What way would we do things? How would that look if we were cleaning up dinner? How would it feel? What would be the consequences when we are like a Raccon Circle family?” Ok, you get the idea. Just talk about what ideas pop into your head andsee how the experience can lead you to become more like the family you want to be.

When you find a way to run your home like a Raccoon Circle family, then your home will bebursting with unity.

Keep working at it. There is no doubt that your family unity is worth whatever price you have to pay. It will all be worth it in the end.

To the victory of your family,

Pennie Rumsey

Student Inspirer