How to effectively manage a conflict with your toddler
When children have disagreements, oppositions, or retaliate against one another, it leads to conflict, resulting in difficult and tense interactions. However, conflicts shouldn't be seen as bad or related to hostility. Conflicts can be utilized as a basis for learning a variety of social and emotional skills, including empathy, communication, bargaining, and reasoning. Here's a guide on managing conflicts with your toddler.
Comforting and affirming children
Children can learn to control their emotions and open up to learning problem-solving techniques if they are shown warmth during times of intense emotion. Particularly negative emotions like anger or worry can impair cognitive functions like working memory and cognitive flexibility, which can lead to a reduction in one's ability to solve problems. Actively listen by giving your full attention to your child's perspective.
Teach empathy
Often validating their emotions helps them feel heard and supported, creating a foundation for resolving the conflict. Children learn how to empathize with others when adults listen to them and act with empathy toward them. In the heat of the moment, listening and showing empathy are important techniques. The hack is offering a secure environment where people may express their feelings and process them.
Encourage problem-solving and offer choices:
Empower your toddler to be part of the resolution process by encouraging problem-solving. Present age-appropriate choices that allow them to make decisions within limits. For example, if they're resisting getting dressed, offer two outfit options and let them choose. Involving them in decision-making builds their confidence, teaches compromise, and reduces conflict. This would help them in the long run in problem-solving.
Act calmly
It is important to be calm before you intervene in deciding before answering. Focus on assisting children in regulating their emotions, communicating, and taking other people's perspectives, as well as encouraging their full participation in the process. By this, you can teach your child how to manage conflicts constructively. Your toddler looks to you as a role model for how to handle challenging situations.
Establish consistent boundaries and routines
Toddlers thrive on consistency and structure, which can help prevent conflicts in the first place. Establish clear boundaries and age-appropriate rules. Communicate these expectations calmly and consistently. Additionally, toddlers benefit from predictable routines, as they feel secure and know what to expect. Consistent boundaries and routines provide a sense of stability, reducing conflicts and promoting positive behavior.
