Problem-Solving Skills in Children: Teaching Your Kids to Resolve Conflicts

When you feel angry or frustrated, pause before saying something you might regret.

Take a deep breath and count to ten.

Calmly explain how you feel about what happened or what was said.

Listen to what the other person has to say about the matter.

Think about different solutions to the problem.

If you cannot reach an agreement that both of you can accept, ask a neutral third party who is not involved in the argument to help resolve the conflict. Agree to abide by the third party's suggestion.

Once you start teaching your child how to resolve conflicts, you will notice less stress and complaining at home. Continue to work with them when they experience conflicts and keep modeling conflict resolution; this way, your children will be better equipped to handle any disagreements they face in the future. Isn't the essence of parenting about preparing our children for life outside the home anyway?