Handling conflicts within chidren
Conflict is a natural part of aliving and working with other persons. Children need to experience conflict so that they have opportunities to learn the skills necessary to resolve real life problems.
Teaching children to solve problems increases their ability to deal with conflict. Before children can solve problems, they must be able to use words to express their anger and frustration. Be sure they have the skills needed to solve problems before expecting them to do so.
STEPS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING INCLUDE:
- Calm the children involved and help them focus on the problem
- Allow each child to tell his/her side of the story
- Restate what the children have told you
- Encourage the children to talk to each other and come to a resolution
- Make sure the resolution works
Through problem, solving techniques children learn to express and value their own feelings and the feelings of others. In addition, they develop the ability to resolve conflicts in nonviolent ways. When children learn to solve simple problems, they are better able to solve bigger life problems.