Think of some questions that you have about conflict resolution and write them down. What do you do when children have conflicts with each other? What do you do when a child has a conflict with you?

What were the child care providers' solutions to conflicts? What did they say you should avoid? Take a moment to think about how you respond to conflicts. How does your practice compare to what you heard?

Main Points:

• Observe children to prevent conflict
• Re-direct children's attention
• Validate feelings
• Help children learn to verbalize (Let them vent.)
• Don't deny children's feelings (e.g. "don't be mad"�)
• Don't try to identify who's at fault

As you watch, look for things that the child care provider does that you would find helpful. Should you punish a child for fighting? How else could you respond? Consider what you do with your own children.

What is your plan for dealing with conflict? How are your practices the same as what you saw? How are they different? What is the difference between punishment and conflict resolution?

Main Points:

• Develop a plan to handle conflicts
• Implement the plan consistently
• Encourage children to find their own solutions
• Help children communicate their feelings and needs
• The ultimate goal is to teach children to resolve their own conflicts

Write down any new questions you have. Prepare to watch how the panelists react to the video. Keep your questions and the active learning questions in mind and take notes on one topic that interests you.

Did anyone notice the same things as you? Did they agree with you? What is the most important piece of advice you heard?

Strategies for dealing with conflict:

• Let children help create their own solutions (making rules, taking turns)
• Know children's limitations (e.g. with language) and address their needs and feelings accordingly
• Don't ask why they did something; Coax them into talking by making observations

Here's your chance to think about how to apply what you've learned. How can playing with Sock Puppets help teach conflict resolution?

What could you teach using sock puppets? What would you have them say and do? What new words or ideas would you introduce? How would you personalize this activity for each of the children in your care?

What children can learn about conflict resolution from Sock Puppets:

• Communication skills
• Seeing other's points of view
• Cooperation
• A chance to model behavior
• Possible personalities for Sock Puppets are: Feisty, Flexible, Fearful