HOW TO HANDLE THE FIGHTING Level I: Normal Bickering. 1. Ignore it. Think about your next vacation. 2. Tell yourself the children are having an important experience in conflict resolution. Level II: Situation Heating up. Adult Intervention Might Be Helpful 1. Acknowledge their anger. “You two sound mad at each other!” 2. Reflect each child’s point of view. “So Sara, you want to keep on holding the puppy, because he’s just settled down in your arms. And you Billy, feel you’re entitled to a turn too.” 3. Describe the problem with respect. “That’s a tough one: Two children and only one puppy.” 4.
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