My toddler is now learning to interact with kids his age during "playtime" whether it be at the park or at someone's house during playdates. The advantage to this is that I am there to supervise if any trouble arises. What will happen when my little one starts school however? I cannot be there all the time and he will have to learn how to play with others and not be bullied or get his feelings hurt when someone doesn't play with him or pushes him around.

Mattel has partnered with Playworks, a program designed to ensure that every child has a chance to play in a constructive and fun manner by supporting elementary school programming. They are doing this with the Junior Coach program which encourages teams of students to understand fair play, conflict resolution and more. With Mattel's support, Playworks will be able to expand the program into two Los Angeles elementary schools in Watts and plan to pilot the Playworks Model internationally by training Mattel employees on the concept of Playworks.

This is a great concept that can really teach our children how to play together and really minimize the whole bully aspect that goes on on the school playground. Here is a link to a video that talks a lot more about the Playworks Partnership with Mattel and gives several tips on how to teach fairplay at school and even at home:

Along with this video there is a great colorsheet you can print out that reinforces the five concepts behind fair play:

1. Invite everyone to play

2. Share the rules of the game

3. Pick teams by counting off

4. Cheer for everyone

5. Rock, Paper Scissors-a fair way to decide

Click here for a PDF of the coloring sheet.

Visit Mattels website for more information about the Playworks program.

**I received compensation as part of a promotional program with MomSelect.