M5D2: Reframing

Reframing a mediation or conversation is turning a negative into a positive. It is easy to let the parties bring down the mediation to match how they may be feeling about the dispute. As the mediator, it is imperative the direction of the mediation change towards more positive feelings and, in turn, more positive outcomes.

Reframe the following statements to set a more "problem-solving atmosphere" for the mediation.

• "I want things to change, but with all the problems we have now, it's impossible for it to get better." Explain your reason.
• "I think that is a normal thing to do. Wouldn't you do it that way, too?" Explain your reason.
• "We can't talk because he is like all men; he avoids all of the problems and says he is busy when he doesn't want to talk about our problems." Explain your reason.
• "She would be a better mother if she made those little kids behave better and had them stop riding bicycles on my front sidewalk." Explain your reason.