How to Handle Conflicts with Children

1 Stay Calm

• Calm yourself first (e.g., leave the environment momentarily, take deep breaths)

2 Listen with Empathy

• Listen and understand your child's thoughts in an open manner
• Accept your child's feelings
• Do not rush to correct or punish your child as it may discourage your child from communicating

3 Solve Problems Together

• Step 1: State the problem clearly
• Step 2: State your feelings and expectations
• Step 3: Encourage your child to state his/her needs and feelings
• Step 4: Brainstorm possible solutions with your child
• Step 5: Guide your child to evaluate the pros and cons of different solutions and choose an appropriate one together
• Step 6: Take action and evaluate with your child afterwards

Department of Health / Student Health Service <Parenting Tips Series>

October 2022