• Conflict Resolution

    Why conflict resolution?

    Conflict will occur throughout everyone’s life. As a parent, you can help your child to avoid unnecessary conflict but there are times conflict can be beneficial to teach your child the skills they will need later in life. Below is a description of the 5 step process you can encourage your child to do when faced with conflict.

    Steps for Conflict Resolution

    Step #1 Calm down

    Sometimes we get angry with our friends and its okay to feel angry but it is important to calm down so we can think clearly. Some ways to calm down include: taking deep breaths, take a break, and count to 10.

    Step #2 Identify the problem

    Now that you can think clearly, you need to think about what the actual problem is. If you are still not thinking clearly, go back to Step 1.

    Step #3 Determine if it is a big problem or a small problem

    It is time to determine if the problem is big or small. A big problem is if someone is in danger or if you feel unsafe or scared. If this is the case, go to Step 5 and tell an adult immediately. Small problems include someone bothering you, not playing by the rules, etc. In this case, you continue to the next step.

    Step #4 Try two ways to fix the problem

    Now is the time you use problem solving skills to fix the issue. Some of these skills include compromise, taking turns, ignoring, walking away, asking the person to stop, finding something else to do, sharing, and using I-Statements. Make sure to try two of these before moving to the next step.

    Step #5 Tell an adult if needed

    The adults you can talk to include parent, teacher, principal, counselor, babysitter, neighbor, or anyone you trust.