Have you ever seen a small disagreement turn into a big fight?

Your 4th grade child is involved in learning-activities designed to enhance self-esteem, develop positive life skills, and empower young people to make good choices for themselves.  How can we learn to resolve conflicts without fighting:

1.  STOP.  Don't let the conflict get worse.  The less angry you are the easier it will be to solve the problem.
2.  SAY what the conflict is about.  What is causing the disagreement?  What does each of you want or not want?
3.  THINK of positive options.  How could you meet each others needs and be fair?
4.  CHOOSE a positive option each of you can agree on.

If you still can't agree, ask someone else (an outsider) to help resolve the conflict.

RULES:

• AGREE TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT.
• NO NAME CALLING.
• TAKE TURNS TALKING.  DON'T INTERRUPT.
• BE CLEAR AND TRUTHFUL ABOUT WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU AND WHAT YOU REALLY NEED.
• LISTEN TO THE OTHER PERSON.  BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND HOW HE OR SHE SEES THE PROBLEM.
• USE YOUR BRAINS, NOT YOUR HANDS.
• BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE.