Let kids sort their own fights, research shows
Children learn conflict skills best when parents stay nearby but let them resolve disputes themselves.
School holidays mean more sibling squabbles. Adults stepping in every time actually stops kids from learning how to handle disagreements, research suggests.
Adults should stay close and only jump in to stop unsafe behaviour or one-sided fights. When a child is upset, they cannot hear lessons or feel genuine remorse.
So rather than acting as a judge, acknowledge each child's feelings first. Say things like "I can see it hurt you when your brother took your book."
This emotion coaching helps both kids feel heard. Once they understand each other's perspective, real learning happens.
The more parents referee fights, the fewer chances children get to build these crucial life skills.
Why it mattersKids who learn to resolve conflict early handle disagreements better throughout their lives than those who rely on adults to referee.
AustraliaAustralian parents managing school holiday squabbles can use this research to step back and let their kids work through arguments, building resilience.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 d ago
