Question
What are Hilary Erickson's five tips for helping kids deal with confrontation?
Answer
Sure, here are the five tips I shared on helping kids deal with confrontation:
-
Watch from the sidelines: Depending on their age, let them navigate social situations on their own. You can observe and later discuss any incidents or behaviors that need addressing.
-
Show them appropriate confrontation: If you need to address an issue, like talking to a store manager, bring them along. This helps them see that confrontation is a normal part of life.
-
Discuss disagreements openly: It's okay for kids to see you disagree about something with your spouse or others. This shows them how to have these talks.
-
Encourage them & Role Play: If they have an issue, encourage them to deal with it. Role play can help them prepare for how conversations might go.
-
Let them handle situations on their own: When kids are in school, give them every opportunity to deal with things on their own. You can slowly withdraw from situations so that they can learn to handle it independently.
Remember, helping your kids deal with confrontation will be a gift for them to use the rest of their life. Do you have any specific situations you're wondering about?