Self-Control

Learning to Be a Problem Solver: Ways to Help Your Child Resolve Conflicts

Conflict is inevitable, at any age. After all, your child is her own person, with his own interests, thoughts, and ideas. However, conflict doesn't need to be traumatic, for you or your child! If you teach him to resolve conflicts with respect and concern for the other person, this will be a skill he carries throughout his life. You have probably already been helping your child understand his emotions and the emotions of others. Through your positive example, he has been learning how to use language to talk through problems and how to make positive choices. You may even overhear him suggesting solutions to problems with his friends. Continue to reinforce your child's conflict resolution skills by talking through any problems he may be having, offering choices instead of punishments, and praising positive solutions to problems.

Has your child achieved the following Self-Control developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all of the skill(s) he has already mastered to date.