With a few strategies, children can become problem solvers and maintain their friendships, even when conflict occurs. The ability to resolve conflicts effectively is related to the child’s age, developmental level, life experiences and previous responses.
Toddlers are not biologically equipped to resolve conflicts because their brains are not mature enough. At birth, the most developed areas are those that govern basic needs. In this sense, when faced with a situation, children react instinctively, without thinking. They do not yet have the ability to control their bodies and their emotions. It is therefore essential that we teach them how to control them. As they grow up, children develop their awareness of others and understand that others have different rights and views. In other words, conflict resolution goes from a subjective perception of interpersonal problems to an objective perception: it is not only about how I see the world or what I want to get out of a situation, but also about how others see the world and what they want. In conflict resolution, there is always at least two sides to consider. It is the role of adults to teach and model a conflict-resolution process so that children experience harmonious and positive relationships with their peers.