Tips for Parents: Teaching Children to Resolve...( SAN DIEGO Sept. 10 /- Conflict is...),Health

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Conflict is an issue that children often face on a regular basis, yet they tend to have little preparation on how to communicate effectively to handle a confrontation or argument with their siblings, friends, or school bullies. These rivalries can be harmful to children, whether mentally or physically, because they often lead to low self-esteem, violent behavior, and anger management issues.

It is important to establish and maintain a home environment where conflict is handled in a healthy manner, so children learn to use effective communication tools and develop self-control. To help children deal with frustrations, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) offers the following recommendations:

-- Help children express themselves. Encourage them to express their

feelings with words instead of actions.

-- Teach children to share. Prioritize the importance of giving to others.

This will promote collaboration.

-- Practice what you preach. Be careful about how you resolve your own

conflicts with children or in the presence of children.

-- Refrain from resolving problems for children, when possible. This will

prepare them to independently develop effective dispute resolution

solutions.

-- Show children how to apologize. The art of apologizing is an important

concept in mitigating conflict.

Helping children with conflict resolution can be difficult. Consulting with a Marriage and Family Therapist can help in developing strategies and alternative ways to assist with challenging situations. Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals who are trained to help individuals communicate within their families, relieve stress, and create a better family dynamic. To learn more about family therapy or to locate a therapist in your area, visit California's online mental health resource,