• Conflicts often involve misunderstandings and anger.

• Self-control and showing respect can ease the tension.

• Discussion and even role-playing can assist in learning how to best resolve conflict situations.

Self-control, respecting others, and dealing with conflict are important soft skills.

People can lose their jobs when they refuse to follow directions and orders.

Another common reason to get fired is the inability to get along with others.

HOW TO HELP:

MISUNDERSTANDINGS:

• Help them understand how behavior may contribute to a misunderstanding.

• When talking about a social mishap that happened, discuss the event.

• Ask them to determine what was done right, and discuss if there might have been something done differently.

• If necessary, discuss next steps to address the misunderstanding.

ROLE PLAY:

• Practice how to handle challenging situations by role-playing.

• Choose roles and have them respond.

• Talk about appropriate behaviors.

ANGER:

• Discuss ways that people on television shows, movies or video games handle anger.

• Talk with them about appropriate ways people can handle anger.

• Some options are counting to ten, taking a timeout, or going for a run.

• Discuss ways that might help calm down an angry person.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM:

• Explain that taking directions and accepting constructive criticism is part of life.

• Practice this skill by giving directions at home for such things as chores.

• Verify that they have an appropriate response to the directions given.

• If required, have them practice more appropriate responses.

RESPECT:

• Remind your child to treat others the way they wish to be treated.

• Acknowledge that this is difficult when others are being rude, disrespectful, or mean.

• Talk about when it’s important to stand up for oneself and when it’s best to stay calm, not react, and/or walk away.

APOLOGIES:

• Nothing makes a bigger impression on youth than adults admitting they were wrong.

• Apologize when necessary.