Quck answer
Conflict resolution is best achieved through effective communication, active listening, and compromise. It is important to approach conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to understand the other person’s perspective. By actively listening and showing empathy, we can create a safe space for open dialogue and find common ground. Using nonviolent communication techniques and avoiding personal attacks can help de-escalate conflicts and promote understanding. It is also crucial to be willing to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions that address the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
“He jumped ahead of me in line!”
“She took the book I was planning to read!”
“The ball crossed the line!”
“No, it didn’t!”
“Yes, it did!”
Do any of these situations sound familiar? If you have been in a school or on a playground recently, then you have probably encountered various arguments and disagreements like these.
Occasionally, we all experience anger or frustration. It is a natural human response. How we behave when we are angry is crucial. Likewise, how we respond to others when they are upset with us is equally important. Our actions can either improve or exacerbate the situation.
Conflict is an inherent part of everyday life. Resolving conflicts is a vital skill that every individual must acquire. It can assist everyone in navigating life successfully. Let us consider some important points to remember when a conflict arises.
When a conflict arises, emotions can escalate rapidly. It is important to step back and calm down. Strive to avoid throwing a tantrum. Refrain from raising your voice and be cautious not to be unkind to others. These actions will not resolve anything. In fact, they often worsen matters.
In order to reach a resolution, it is crucial to understand the true nature of the conflict. You may believe it is about one thing, while someone else may have an entirely different perspective on the situation. How can you determine what is truly happening? Engage in open communication!
Take turns expressing your feelings about the situation. Refrain from blaming others. Instead, discuss your emotions. Then, genuinely listen when the other parties involved express themselves. When everyone’s feelings are out in the open, try to empathize and understand why they feel the way they do.
If everyone can see the issue from different perspectives, it will be easier to collaborate and find a solution. Sharing your thoughts without interrupting or passing judgment on others’ feelings is crucial. It can also be helpful to paraphrase what they said in your own words. This way, you can ensure that you comprehend their viewpoint.
Once everyone has a clear understanding of the problem, it is possible to focus on finding a solution. It is often beneficial to begin by brainstorming together and generating different resolutions to the conflict. Initially, do not dismiss any potential solution—even those that seem absurd or unrealistic. Having more options to choose from is advantageous. It makes it easier to select a solution that satisfies everyone.
Unfortunately, not every conflict has a simple solution. Furthermore, not every potential resolution will please all parties involved in the conflict. Some may allow one group to have their way while leaving another group feeling disappointed. Other resolutions may result in neither side getting what they desire.
The most ideal solution, however, will be one that satisfies all parties involved. Experts refer to this as a “win-win” situation because both sides feel content and there are no losers in the conflict. Whenever you encounter conflicts in the future, always strive to find a resolution that benefits everyone.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to work on your conflict resolution skills? Invite a friend or family member to assist you in trying out the following activities:
Did you know that some of your favorite fairy tales are filled with conflicts? Consider the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. That was a significant conflict. Can you help them resolve their issues? Explore the Fairy Tale Conflict activity online and collaborate with a friend or family member to come up with creative solutions to the conflicts presented in your beloved fairy tales.
We’re willing to bet that you already know a fun and simple way to resolve many minor conflicts. Have you ever played Rock Paper Scissors? If you haven’t, click on the link to learn how to play. How can this simple game resolve conflicts? You know those playground games where disputes often arise about whether a ball hit the line or a runner tagged a base first? Simply agree with the other players beforehand that any of these minor disputes will be settled by a quick game of Rock Paper Scissors. Whoever wins the game resolves the dispute and you can move on. While it’s best to avoid disputes altogether, it’s great to have a simple method to resolve them without arguing!
Do you find yourself frequently engaging in disputes or arguments? Different people have different personalities. Some individuals try to avoid arguments and conflicts as much as possible, while others seem to actively seek them out. If you often find yourself getting into arguments and want to avoid them in the future, take some time to identify the types of situations that typically lead to disputes. Then brainstorm ways to avoid those situations before they arise. Sometimes, the easiest way to prevent arguments is to avoid the circumstances that trigger them in the first place!
Additional Resources
- https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/coaching-children-in-handling-everyday-conflicts/ (accessed 06 July 2020)
- https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/5-strategies-to-help-kids-resolve-conflict (accessed 06 July 2020)
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