How to Handle Playground Conflict
How You Should ACTUALLY Handle Playground Conflict
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Does your little one come home with stories of playground fights? Whether physical or verbal, schoolyard conflict can be troubling for any parent to hear about . . . and even more hurtful for the children involved. Regardless of who started it — your child or the other — here are some steps you can take to prevent further conflict.
1 Set initial ground rules for playground interactions.
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2 Then discipline your child if you see them breaking those rules.
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3 Intervene if you witness a physical (or highly emotional) spat.
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4 Try not to let on how horrified you are about the situation.
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5 Teach your kids to come to you when they're having playground issues.
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6 Talk with your kids about how they're feeling.
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7 Pat their back as they cry it out.
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8 Encourage your kid to exit bad friendships and gossip-filled conversations.
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9 Help your kids try to understand the other child, what's upsetting them, and how to help.
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10 Brainstorm with them to come up with solutions to their schoolyard problems.
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11 Make sure your child knows that teasing and verbal attacks can hurt as much as physical ones.
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12 Train them to handle successes (game wins, good grades, etc.) with silent confidence, not bragging.
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13 Emphasize the value of taking responsibility for one's own actions.
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14 Make sure that your child doesn't see physical fighting as a way to earn respect.
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15 If physical exertion is your child's best outlet, encourage another activity (like interpretive dance).
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16 Reinforce good behavior, especially when it comes to handling bullies.
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