How to guide children and friends when they have conflicts

Parents can help their children resolve conflicts with friends by listening to their emotions, guiding empathy, assisting in communication, diverting attention, and setting an example. This type of conflict is often triggered by daily trivial matters such as toy disputes, verbal misunderstandings, and differences in rules, and is a normal phenomenon in children's social development.

1. Listen to emotions

allows children to fully express their grievances or anger, using language such as "you must have been very sad at that time" to empathize and avoid rushing to judge right or wrong. When children feel emotionally accepted, they are more willing to accept subsequent guidance. Parents can observe whether their children exhibit physical symptoms such as decreased appetite and restless sleep, which indicate the need for deeper emotional counseling.

2. Guide empathy

Recreate conflict scenes through role-playing games, allowing children to play themselves and their friends separately, and use questions such as "What would you think if you were robbed of building blocks" to inspire thinking. Preschool children are usually self-centered and require specific demonstrations to understand others' feelings. During the process, tools such as picture books and friend bridges can be used to assist teaching.

3. Assist in communication

Create a safe dialogue environment for children and demonstrate reconciliation phrases such as "I was wrong to take the toy without consent just now". For children with weaker language abilities, non-verbal methods such as shaking hands and sharing snacks can be taught to express goodwill. Be careful not to apologize on behalf of the child and encourage independent communication.

4. Shift Attention

Engage in cooperative games such as two player puzzles, passing, etc., using common tasks to shift the focus of conflicts. Outdoor chase games can naturally dissolve barriers through physical contact, but safety rules need to be agreed upon in advance. This method is particularly suitable for conflicts caused by competitive games, transforming confrontation into collaboration.

5. Set an example

Parents may intentionally let their children observe the process of compromise, apology, and other resolutions when dealing with marital disputes or neighborhood conflicts in their daily lives. Telling about their childhood experiences of reconciling with friends can also enhance empathy, as children learn actionable strategies for conflict resolution through imitation.

continuously monitor the child's subsequent social performance. If there is frequent aggressive behavior or withdrawal tendency for more than two weeks, potential problems such as sensory dissonance and social anxiety should be considered. Regularly arrange group activities to exercise social skills and establish family rituals such as "sharing days" to strengthen friendly attitudes. Adding foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and oats, to the diet can help stabilize emotional nerve conduction. Avoid excessive intervention at conflict sites and provide children with space to handle conflicts independently, but preschool children still need adults to provide a sense of security within three steps.