How You Should ACTUALLY Handle Playground Conflict

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.

01
Set initial ground rules for playground interactions.
Dreamworks

Set initial ground rules for playground interactions.

02
Then discipline your child if you see them breaking those rules.
Def Jam Records

Then discipline your child if you see them breaking those rules.

03
Intervene if you witness a physical (or highly emotional) spat.
Marvel

Intervene if you witness a physical (or highly emotional) spat.

04
Try not to let on how horrified you are about the situation.
NBC

Try not to let on how horrified you are about the situation.

05
Teach your kids to come to you when they're having playground issues.
Paramount Pictures

Teach your kids to come to you when they're having playground issues.

06
Talk with your kids about how they're feeling.
NBC

Talk with your kids about how they're feeling.

08
Encourage your kid to exit bad friendships and gossip-filled conversations.
E!

Encourage your kid to exit bad friendships and gossip-filled conversations.

09
Help your kids try to understand the other child, what's upsetting them, and how to help.
Fox

Help your kids try to understand the other child, what's upsetting them, and how to help.

10
Brainstorm with them to come up with solutions to their schoolyard problems.
MGM

Brainstorm with them to come up with solutions to their schoolyard problems.

11
Make sure your child knows that teasing and verbal attacks can hurt as much as physical ones.
Paramount Pictures

Make sure your child knows that teasing and verbal attacks can hurt as much as physical ones.

12
Train them to handle successes (game wins, good grades, etc.) with silent confidence, not bragging.
E!

Train them to handle successes (game wins, good grades, etc.) with silent confidence, not bragging.

13
Emphasize the value of taking responsibility for one's own actions.
NBC

Emphasize the value of taking responsibility for one's own actions.

15
If physical exertion is your child's best outlet, encourage another activity (like interpretive dance).
Nick

If physical exertion is your child's best outlet, encourage another activity (like interpretive dance).

16
Reinforce good behavior, especially when it comes to handling bullies.
Universal Pictures

Reinforce good behavior, especially when it comes to handling bullies.