Conflict Drill

1. 1

   Small conflicts are a normal part of playing with other children. Act one out with toys so your child can practice responding in a relaxed setting.

2. 2

   Create a simple scene, such as dolls waiting for a turn on a slide. Have Dad suddenly move one doll to the front of the line. Your child may become upset.

3. 3

   Mom can ask, “What happened?” Give your child time to describe what they saw.

4. 4

   Then invite your child to be the referee: “What do you think we should do?” They may suggest, “One turn each. Now it’s someone else’s turn!”

5. 5

   Acknowledge the idea and act on it by moving the dolls back into line.

6. 6

   For a new challenge, have Dad make the doll refuse to listen at first. Pause and see what your child tries next.

7. 7

   If your child cannot think of a response, offer one simple possibility, such as giving the dolls space to calm down or having them share a snack to ease the tension.

What to notice

• Suggests “one turn each” after seeing a doll cut in line Relationships with Other Children
• Acts as the referee and proposes a way to resolve the dolls’ conflict Creativity

Tips

• As you make the conflict more challenging, watch your child’s mood. If they become upset or begin to withdraw, simplify the scene so the game can stay relaxed.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Acting out cutting in line, waiting, and taking turns with dolls gives your child practice noticing a conflict, expressing an idea, and trying a simple solution.
• Cognitive: Studying a pretend conflict, considering how each character feels, and proposing a response gives your child practice using words or actions to solve a problem.