Conflict is an issue that children often face on a regular basis, yet they tend to have little preparation on how to communicate effectively to handle a confrontation or argument with their siblings, friends, or school bullies. These rivalries can be harmful to children, whether mentally or physically, because they often lead to low self-esteem, violent behavior, and anger management issues.

It is important to establish and maintain a home environment where conflict is handled in a healthy manner, so children learn to use effective communication tools and develop self-control. To help children deal with frustrations, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) offers the following recommendations:

  -- Help children express themselves. Encourage them to express their
     feelings with words instead of actions.
  -- Teach children to share. Prioritize the importance of giving to others.
     This will promote collaboration.
  -- Practice what you preach. Be careful about how you resolve your own
     conflicts with children or in the presence of children.
  -- Refrain from resolving problems for children, when possible. This will
     prepare them to independently develop effective dispute resolution
     solutions.
  -- Show children how to apologize. The art of apologizing is an important
     concept in mitigating conflict.

Helping children with conflict resolution can be difficult. Consulting with a Marriage and Family Therapist can help in developing strategies and alternative ways to assist with challenging situations. Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals who are trained to help individuals communicate within their families, relieve stress, and create a better family dynamic. To learn more about family therapy or to locate a therapist in your area, visit California's online mental health resource, http://www.therapistfinder.com/.

About CAMFT

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides http://www.therapistfinder.com/ as a resource to the public looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California.

Source: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Web site: http://www.camft.org/