Kids get teased. They have best friends who don’t want to be friends any more. They get accused of doing things they didn’t do. Or someone wants them to do something they shouldn’t.

Conflicts such as these are inevitable. But conflict isn’t all bad. Sometimes conflict is needed to express true feelings and solve problems. It’s important that you show your child positive and appropriate ways to handle conflicts that come up.

You can also:

• Spend special time together. Experts say 20 minutes of positive adult attention a day greatly reduces children’s aggressive behavior.

• Use positive discipline. Yelling or using physical punishment teaches kids that force is a way to solve problems.

• Teach your child how to get “good” attention. Sometimes kids pick a fight to get attention. Help them learn better ways to express their needs. It’s best to praise children when they do right. Don’t just pay attention when they do wrong.

• Show your child how to recognize other’s feelings. Comment when someone is happy, sad, worried, etc.

• Listen before giving advice. Acknowledge your child’s feelings about a conflict. Then help him find a solution.

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