How to Deal with School Fights

When you send your child off to school, you expect him to learn rather than get into fights. The reality is that many children do get into fights with their peers, and it's up to you to deal with your child's behavior, since fighting isn't tolerated in school. Lay down the law with your child to emphasize that you won't tolerate him fighting at school. Talk with the school administration, too, to discuss ways to prevent your child from fighting again.

Instructions

    • 1

      Listen to your child's side of the story. Don't interrupt him; allow him to tell you the whole story before you start talking, recommends the Empowering Parents website. This lets your child feel heard and also allows you to gather the facts so you can deal with the situation.

    • 2

      Ask your child what prompted her to get into a fight. Don't ask her why, but ask her what caused the fight. This keeps your child from feeling attacked and encourages her to open up to you so you can understand what motivated her to get into a fight. This also gives you an opportunity to discuss better ways to handle the situation, should it happen again.

    • 3

      Give your child a consequence and support the consequence from the school. For example, many schools require a child to go to detention or will suspend a child for fighting, and you need to support that consequence, even if you believe your child was only protecting himself. Follow through at home. If your child is at fault, taking away a privilege is an appropriate way to reinforce your no-fighting rule.

    • 4

      Speak with the administration at your child's school about fighting. In 2011, 12 percent of ninth through 12th graders admitted to being in a physical fight at school in the preceding year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Discuss the discipline policy at your child's school and have a conversation about possible ways to reduce fighting, such as an educational seminar for parents and students alike.

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