How to Stop Your Children From Hitting Each Other & Fighting
Children, and siblings in particular, are prone to fighting and arguments. While fighting can help children learn problem solving and conflict resolution skills, you will need to stop your children from physically harming each other. Teaching your children how to resolve their differences without resorting to a physical means is an important job as a parent. You can do this by talking with your children, modeling appropriate behaviors and using each argument as an opportunity for teaching and growth.
Instructions
Set ground rules very early in your children's development. Although your children might be too young to completely understand your rules, starting early will help ensure these rules become common knowledge for each child. Ground rules should include no hitting, biting, pushing, shoving or throwing toys at another person. Avoid playing favorites or comparing your children, especially during an actual fight. Do not blame one child for starting the fight. Comparing your children can create unnecessary tension in their relationship, which may actually encourage fighting. Set a positive example in your own relationship with your spouse or partner. Demonstrate respectful communication and conflict resolution. Do not yell, scream or become physically violent with your partner in front of your children. Children learn by example and using physical violence is not only dangerous for you and your partner but sets a poor example for your children. Break up any physical fighting between your children immediately. Remove each child from the situation and give her time to refocus and calm down. Bring your children together to discuss what started the argument and what led to it becoming physical. Allow each child to express herself to you and her sibling. You may need to help her verbalize her feelings, especially if she is younger. Talk to your children about their feelings and help each to understand it is okay to feel upset, angry and frustrated. Explain the appropriate way to express these feelings, such as talking. Discuss why it is inappropriate to express negative emotions in a physical way (because it hurts others or makes them feel bad). Encourage your children and provide them with verbal praise when you see them cooperate and get along well. Your children want to please you, and you can help this by recognizing and supporting acceptable behaviors. Previous:How to Change Bad Behavior in a Child Next:What Are the Dangers of Egocentric Behavior in a Child of 9 Years of Age?
