Quick Click: 3 Steps to Resolving Kid Conflicts

Use everyday squabbles to strengthen your child's abilities as a peacemaker.

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Turn arguments into opportunities to teach problem-solving.

1. Understand the issue. Listen carefully to each child's side of the story and then repeat it back to make sure you are clear about what the problem is, being sure not to judge or take sides.

2. Make a list. Encourage the children to come up with several possible ways to solve their problem. Write them down.

3. Come to an agreement. Help the children pick the best solution, but remind them that they can use one of the alternates from the list if it doesn’t work out.

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