Helping Young Children Resolve Conflicts

This list contains a variety of resources associated with helping young children resolve conflicts.
Web Resources
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Coaching Children in Handling Everyday Conflicts
Source: Responsive Classroom
This article provides tips for helping young children handle conflict.
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Conflict Resolution
Source: PBS
This is a lesson plan for imaginary play which is a fun and safe way to help children prepare for difficult moments, such as what to do when conflict arises at daycare, at school or with siblings.
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Cooperation
Source: Zero to Three
This parenting resource provides tips and examples on helping children learn to cooperate.
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Helping Kids Deal with Bullies
(also in Spanish)Source: KidsHealth
This page addresses bullying in young children, including understanding when behaviors are bullying, why children bully, the signs of bullying and what parents can do.
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The “Make a Plan” Plan
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This article gives teachers a structure to deal with conflicts in the preschool classroom focusing on a flexible plan and guidance techniques to support young children.
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Teaching Children to Resolve Conflict Respectfully
Source: Exchange Magazine
This article provides tips to help teach children to respectfully resolve conflict.
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Teaching Kids How to Deal With Conflict
Source: Child Mind Institute
This articles gives adults a series of strategies to help guide children to resolve their conflicts, including focusing on feelings first, pinpointing the source of the conflict, and brainstorming solutions.
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Teaching Your Child Discipline and Self-Control
Source: Zero to Three
This parenting resource provides developmental information regarding self-control. Self-control enables children to cooperate with others, to cope with frustration, and to resolve conflicts.
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Ways Child Care Providers Can Teach Young Children to Resolve Conflicts
Source: Extension Alliance for Better Child Care
This resource explains why teaching conflict resolution is beneficial for young children.
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What Works Briefs
Source: The Center on Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
These briefs describe effective practices for supporting children’s social-emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors.
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Young Children Can Learn How to Resolve Conflicts with Adult Guidance and Support
Source: Michigan State University
This explains that there are simple steps that adults can begin using immediately to assist children in learning how to resolve conflict. The steps take practice by the children who are learning them and patience by the adult who is modeling and teaching the steps.
About this resource
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:- Home
- Family Child Care
- Child Care Center
- Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
- Parents / Family
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
Related IEL Birth to Three Guidelines:
Related Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards: