Preschoolers deal with a lot of intense emotions. While your preschooler has grown a lot since infancy, remember that to your child, a lot of the world is still very new. Sometimes, children react strongly to new and frustrating situations, and that can lead to conflict with their peers. While it would be nice if everyone could just get along, early conflict-solving skills can help your preschooler develop healthy social habits. Below, you’ll find some of the best conflict-solving strategies to teach preschoolers. Have patience when you teach your children these skills, and remember that these things take time.
Cooling Down
When two children argue, they may just need some time to cool off. One of the best conflict-solving strategies for preschoolers involves pushing the pause button on an argument. You may even find a literal button that you can press when arguments erupt, or you may just say “Okay, let’s take a break.” Then, send the children into separate rooms. Make sure they know that they’re not being punished. This is just a time for them to settle down and gather their thoughts. In a few minutes, you can bring the children back together and help them communicate.
Talking and Listening
The best conflict-solving strategies to teach preschoolers involve real listening, and real listening starts with empathy. During conflicts and during calm moments, ask your children to consider what the other person may be thinking and feeling. Then, encourage them to listen to one another. Children, like adults, can be tempted to talk over each other without listening to what the other has to say. When they truly listen, they can come up with solutions.
Teamwork
Other conflict-solving strategies for preschoolers involve teamwork. When children argue, they can see themselves as two separate teams, and each one will want to win. Encourage your children to see the conflict as something they can work out together as a team. This way, children can solidify their friendships as they overcome their problems.
Compromise
Compromise is a tough subject for children to grasp, but it’s an important one for them to learn. Since it is such a tough subject, don’t try to introduce it to them while they’re in the middle of an argument. Instead, teach your children about compromise when they’re calm. You might, for example, read them books about compromise. Try We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen or Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams.
Put It Aside
This strategy is similar to the “cool down” method, but instead of returning to the argument, the children can just let it go completely. For example, if two children are fighting over a toy, you might encourage them to find something else they can play with. While avoiding conflict isn’t always a good thing, some arguments just aren’t worth having. Slowly but surely, you can teach your children which arguments are worth the conflict and which ones should just be let go. Knowing the difference can help your child well into adulthood.
Conflict-Solving Strategies for Preschoolers
There are lots of conflict-solving strategies to teach preschoolers. One way to help your child learn them is to enroll them into an excellent preschool. At school, your child will learn important social skills. They’ll also get to make friends with others and learn how to navigate those friendships, even in difficult moments. Want to learn more about preschool possibilities? Get in touch with us here at Legacy Academy. Here at Legacy, children learn social skills, literacy, numbers, and so much more. Your child can make friends and grow their confidence. Give us a call today. We’d love to have you as part of the Legacy family.
