There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Whether it is your relationship with your family, spouse, or friends, things can get a little messy sometimes. This is why it is crucial that we know how to better resolve conflicts. The ability to resolve conflicts is something that children should learn even at a young age. It is part of essential social skills for healthy relationships.

How to teach conflict resolution to kids?

Here are the steps to teach conflict resolution to kids.

Allow them time to cool off

Effective conflict resolution sometimes requires that you give the children involved the chance to take a breather. This step should not be rushed. Avoid rushing the kids to engage in a problem-solving conversation before they are ready. Instead, give them ample time to calm down. Determine strategies that will work for them. Will a brief walk around the block help? Or perhaps counting from 10 to 100? Regardless of the method, the important thing is that kids should no longer be emotional when you attempt to solve the problem.

Take time to listen

Once the kids have cooled off, it is time to ask them about what happened. You can either do it together or separately. Emphasize the importance of honesty as they relay what happened. Encourage them to state the problem and honestly admit their role in the conflict. Also, encourage them to share how they feel. Assure them that you listening and are trying to understand the situation without prejudice.

Take responsibility

Now that the children have shared their emotions about the conflict, they need to learn how to take responsibility for their actions. Help them understand that each of them, whether it’s equal or not, played a role in the problem. This will help them realize that every action has a consequence; that everything we do affects not just us but also the people around us.

Brainstorm solutions

Given all the information from the kids involved and the responsibility each one took, it’s time to promote solution finding. The goal is to find a solution that will benefit everyone. While it’s tempting to lay down the solution that you think is best, it is better to gather suggestions from the children. At this point, they are already aware of the problem and how each of them contributed to the conflict. Give them the opportunity to think of ways to patch things up. Make sure their suggestions benefit both parties.

Apologize

An apology is more than just saying “sorry”.  When you encourage the children to apologize, make them understand that an apology communicates responsibility, regret and solution. Have them come up with their own apology. They can deliver it however they want. They can say it in person or write it in a letter. Make sure they use the words “I’m sorry” and state the reason why they are sorry and what they will do to fix the situation.

Follow up

Find out if the solution is working by doing a follow up. Take time to check on how the kids are getting along. However, you must also be aware that not all conflicts are resolved immediately. There are times when the kids involved need a prolonged break from one another and would prefer to hang out with other kids. In cases like this, it is best to give them time to heal and forgive. The important thing is that they are still able to speak to each other with kindness and respect.

Knowing how to resolve conflicts is an essential part of developing a child’s social skills. It also teaches them communication, empathy and problem solving skills. These are also some of the things that your child can learn from a curriculum that focuses on holistic development and character education, like the one offered in Young Scholars Academy. Please visit our website for more information.

The holidays are over and with it went all the fun winter activities. But winter has just begun, what can we do now. There is an array of indoor activities such as Sky Zone, Glow Golf, and Little Monkey Business to help get your children out of the house but below is some information of winter specific activities that have a limited time availability.

For an outdoor adventure that is a drive away, visit The Ice Castles located in Dillon Colorado. This magical experience has helps you to forget that you are cold with the warmth and beauty in your heart. Ice Castles are open until February 2, 2019. Made from 20,000 pounds of ice, these castles are tall, have icicles, igloos, tunnels, and ice slides. Their mission is, “to create happiness, laughter, and unforgettable winter memories.” As this is an outdoor activity, dress for the weather (boots, snow suits, hats, gloves). Instead of bringing a stroller for young children it is suggested to bring a sled. It is best to buy your tickets in advanced. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Their hours of operation are Monday and Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-10:30pm, Saturday 12pm-10:30pm, and Sunday 12pm-8pm. Prices vary depending on day and age. Weekdays children 4-11 cost $10.95 and 12 and older cost $15.95. Weekends children 4-11 cost $14.95 and 12 and older cost $18.95. Tickets can be purchased from their website; https://icecastles.com/dillon/

Skate in the Park at Acacia Park (115 E. Platte Ave) invites families to enjoy outdoor ice skating. It is $10 a guest 5 and older. Children 4 and under are free with a paid adult. A $1 discount is offered to those who carry a military ID. Ice Skate rental is included with the price. Skate in the Park will be open until January 21, 2019. For group rates and private event reservations please visit www.DowntownCS.com/skate. The hours vary please see schedule and special events below.

Sertich Ice Center has a couple of hours a day open for public skating. Children 17 and under Skate for $5.25 with a $3.25 skate rental fee and adults skate for $6.25 with a $3.25 skate rental fee. For a complete calendar of dates and times available please visit https://coloradosprings.gov/…/fil…/inline-images/psjan19.pdf. There is an offer available from Groupon which allows two skaters to skate for $9 including skate rental. The Groupon offer is available at: https://www.groupon.com/browse/colorado-springs….

Sledding is an awesome outdoor activity to try. There are different types sleds available at Target, Walmart, Bass Pro Shop, Walgreens, and other retail stores. Many stores have already started to put their winter gear on sale so supplies may be limited. If your neighborhood has a hill then you won’t need to travel far from home but there are a couple of parks in town that are popular for Eugene McCleary Park at 5214 Pioneer Mesa Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80923 and Cotton Wood Creek Park at 7040 Rangewood Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80923.

Winter is such a fun time to get outdoors and play. As always, please dress for the weather and do not stay out for long periods of time in low temperatures to keep yourself and your children safe and healthy. At the end of a cold play day, warm up with a hot drink such as hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee, or tea. Enjoy your winter!

-Ms. Blair
Lead Preschool Teacher
Workplace Wellness Coordinator

As we head into the new year, lets all vow as parents to “Let It Go”! Let go of all the past worries, negativity, and self-doubt. This is a great chance to kick off a new mindset and to think about all the accomplishments you have made over the past year. Sometimes we seem to only focus on the negatives in parenting. We worry that we are doing a “bad” job at this parenting gig. But you know what, the parents that worry that they are screwing up royally, those are the ones doing the best jobs. You are analyzing most choices you make daily regarding your child and worrying if you have made the best choice. You deeply care and You are doing FINE! As we begin a new year with a clean slate, remind yourself these 5 things.

1. My Child IS happy. They are. You know it, deep down under the grumpy cat face or the meltdown in the store your little one is happy. You make them happy. From the tiny details of making sure their favorite flavor of yogurt is stocked in the fridge, to planning the annual birthday party. You make your child happy every day.
2. It’s okay if my kid eats the French fry off the floor. Yeah, it happens. They will be fine and will not get some wacky illness. Kiddos just go with it for the most part and we should too. Its just not going to be perfect all the time. Stop trying to be the perfect Pinterest parent, life is just not that perfect. A few dropped fries here and there won’t kill us.
3. I am not alone! No matter the situation, some one else’s kid has done whatever horrific thing your child just did. Your kiddo may surprise you from time-to-time and it we just need to keep our cool, no embarrassment necessary.
4. It’s okay to be mad. We are our own person outside of being a parent. There are things that happen daily that are so frustrating that our children do. You can be mad about things but handle it in an appropriate manner when around your children. When the little one knocks over and breaks the vase that has been passed down to you, yeah you are going to be a little pissed. Pause, breath, and tell your child you are upset. Communicate to them calmly and let them know how you feel. It shows them you get mad too and how to handle it.
5. I can take time for me. Dads and Moms need to regularly have ‘me’ time. Self-care is so important when you are a parent. We are always the last ones to get new underwear. WHY?! You need to remember to make time for you and to take care of your needs; mind, body, and soul in order to be a better parent. Don’t forget to care about yourself as well as your kiddos.

Throwing out all the parent doubt will relieve some major worry. Do yourself a favor and ‘Let It Go’. Yeah, you know the song…we all do. It’s a great reminder to let go of the negative thoughts and to reassure ourselves that we are doing the best job as parents as we can. Love your babies with all you’ve got and see the positives rather than the negatives in the new year!

-Ms. Whitney
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator