5 Conflict Resolution Skills To Teach Kids (Inspired by Watching Annoying Political Debates)
Conflict resolution for kids and why it's crucial we teach it now.
You can breathe a big sigh of relief.
Unlike most things these days, this is actually not about politics. There will be no passive-aggressive displays of opinions or judgmental banter.
It is simply about conflict resolution, and what I want my kids to learn about it.
There will always be conflict in life. It's not a bad thing; it's simply human nature to not agree with everyone. It is what makes us different and adds color to our lives.
In a perfect world, our differences should be celebrated; however, the recent years have been the opposite of what I would call a "celebration of differences".
If this recent election and political environment taught me anything, it taught me how I do not want my own children to act when faced with a argument.
Related: 6 Personality Types to Teach Kids how to Deal with
Teaching Kids About Conflict
Even at a very young age, kids start to learn about conflict. From their first fight over sharing toys, to arguments at the playground- they are already learning how to work through arguments.
Still, when I mindlessly scroll through social media at the end of the day, I am reminded that there are many folks out there who were never taught these basic conflict resolution skills.
These 5 lessons, along with the free downloadable workbook at the end of this article, will guide you as you teach your kid important lessons about conflict.
1) It is Okay to Disagree
In a conversation, every person brings a unique set of experiences, biases, and reasons for feeling a certain way.
Just because you don't agree on a topic, it doesn't mean you can't still be friends.
Explain this to your child using a simple topic, such as ice cream flavors. Their favorite flavor might be chocolate, and their friend might love vanilla. It doesn't mean that one flavor is better than the other- they are just different.
And that is okay!
You may also like: How to peacefully parent an argumentative kid
2) Take the Time to Listen
When are you are in a conflict with someone, it is crucial that you must make time to listen to the other side.
Be respectful and do not interrupt when they are speaking, even if you disagree.
If your friend is explaining why they think vanilla is the best ice cream choice, listen quietly and do not cut in.
3) Diversity is a Good Thing
If everyone liked the same ice cream flavor, Ice Cream stores would be a pretty boring place.
It is important to teach your children that they can't change everyone's mind. Opinion diversity is normal and healthy.
Use these tips to be respectful of other people's feelings:
4) There are Appropriate Times for Arguments
There is a time to argue, and a time to hold in your own opinion.
If the discussion is making people feel quite uncomfortable, it may not be the best time to debate. At these times, you may have to keep your opinion to yourself.
For example, if you are voicing your hatred of vanilla ice cream in front of the ice cream store owner, you may be doing more harm than good.
Related: How to STOP being a People-Pleaser
5) You Don't Have to Always have the Last Word
There will be times when the person you are speaking to will not listen to what you have to say.
If it doesn't seem like a resolution can be met, it is okay to politely leave and let the other person have the last comment.
Your stubborn friend may never agree to try different ice creams, and that is their loss.
Conflict Resolution for Kids
Print this reminder for your children:
Also, download the free E-workbook below to help teach your kids these valuable lessons. The book includes reflection activities, exercises, and free printable reminders.
Final Thoughts on Conflict Resolution for Kids
If your child learns these skills at a young age, when debating things like favorite ice cream flavor, it will help them have professional and productive debates as they grow into adulthood.
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Well written. These are the things that we have to teach the kids at an early age. I also feel these can be a reminder to adults too. Thank you for sharing.
thanks so much for sharing this parenting tips, absolutey helpful for me as guardian to my little niece. keep it up! cheers, siennylovesdrawing
I think adults need these reminders too! It's so important for kids to learn these skills and see how adults use them as well.
As a European, I was often truly shocked how people in the US 'discuss' politics. Must be difficult to teach your kids that this isn't by any means okay.
That's true that debate arise every now and then, and there's always a way to "agree to disagree". It could be hard even for adults. Thanks a lot for you insights about respect - Knycx Journeying
This is so important, we need to teach our next generation (even current) that it's ok to have different points of view.
These are really good, and here I guess they should teach this at schools too, not only at home!
Great post. This is so important to teach kids how to handle conflict. I know I need to do a better job teaching mine, so will definitely be following these tips!
good parenting is all about teaching soo many concepts to growing children and this blog on conflict resolution aspect is an important topic that tends to be explained to growing children
These are such important lessons. I feel like I need reminders for these sometimes. Especially the one about disagreeing. We live in a world where people get offended so easily and to be on the same team means you must always agree on the same things but that's not the case and that's okay too. Thank you for that reminder.
very useful and very insightful. i think conflicts are never easy to resolves and it is always hard to manage. it is even more important with kids, because kids have inferior communication skills and are more emotional than adults
politics and religion are two topics that our kids should not participate in to....we should be aware of what they are reading or watching.by then if they ask about those we should tell them that this topics doesn't concern them for now.but for religion of course guide them on what religion your family have. ..,then let them decide on their own what religion they want when they are ready for it
I agree, this what makes us different Also, telling kids that it's ok to disagree helps them to understand and respect each opinion.
Really great tips! I'm now just aware of a lot of these as an adult so I think it's very important that we teach kids these
I love these tips. Not only can these be used for children, but adults as well. Some of us still need to learn about conflict resolution in our age!
I think the best of this list is to take time to listen. Thanks for sharing
This is such a great approach! "It's okay to disagree." This is something I want my kids to always remember, and an important way for them to become even more confident in their own unique personalities and interests while being kind to people with other opinions.