The full policy will be on our website in a few days, but we thought you might like to have a look at the six steps as they might be of interest to you when resolving conflict at home.
Six Steps in Conflict Resolution
Children are encouraged to work through conflict with another child. To enable them to do this the staff will use the following 6 steps to resolve a conflict between two or more children.
- Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions. Place themselves between the children, on their level; use a calm voice and gentle touch; remain neutral rather than take sides.
- Acknowledge children's feelings. Say something simple such as “You look really upset;” letting the children know that they need to hold any object in question.
- Gather information. Ask “What's the problem?” and not ask “why” questions as young children focus on that what the problem is rather than understanding the reasons behind it.
- Restate the problem: Staff will use phrases such as “So the problem is...” Using and extend the children’s vocabulary, substituting neutral words for hurtful or judgmental ones if needed.
- Ask for solutions and choose one together. Staff are encouraged to ask “What can we do to solve this problem?” and to encourage children to think of a solution but offer options if the children are unable to at first.
- Be prepared to give follow-up support. Staff will acknowledge children’s accomplishments, e.g., “You solved the problem!” and stay nearby in case anyone is not happy with the solution and the process needs repeating.
There is a video available which shows there steps being used to resolve an incident of a child hitting another child, if you would like to see if then please use this link : http://youtu.be/Fbawu6taGj4
