course, they must be taught a better way of treating friends.

Try these ideas if you find your child being mean:

• Separate the children to diffuse the situation.

• Have a heart-to-heart. Help your child understand how her actions are hurtful.

• Consider options. Discuss how your child might handle the situation differently now or in the future.

• Set clear rules. For example, “If you hit or grab, you get time out.”

• Focus on prevention. Talk a lot about kindness and sharing. Praise your child when she plays nicely.

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