07265 - Reviewed 2007
Building Family Strengths: A Tookit for Families
Rules for Handling Conflict
- Don't fight to win. Nobody wins when you do. Remember you are fighting to solve the problem, not to win. Be willing to negotiate or give in when necessary.
- Be sure that you understand exactly what the problem is. If you are not sure why you are having a conflict, discuss it.
- Take care of a problem when it comes up. Don't let it get too big to handle. Even if the problem seems small, if you don't deal with it at the time it happens, the problem will only get bigger.
- Talk about only one conflict at a time. Don't bring up all the old problems that have happened in the past. Stick to the problem that you are having at the moment.
- Don't blame others for problems you are having with someone else. If you are mad at your brother, don't yell at your best friend. Directly tell each person what is bothering you.
- Think before you speak. If you say mean things to your family or friends or speak sarcastically to them even though you are just teasing, you are really hurting them. If you have something constructive to say, be sure that you say it in a way that will be helpful and not harmful.
- Never strike another person to get your way. Physical violence or abuse (hitting, punching, kicking, or slapping) is NEVER acceptable behavior.
- Try writing down your feelings. If the person you are having the conflict with will not discuss the problem, or you are not comfortable enough to talk with him or her about it, write a letter. You can decide later whether you want to mail it. Even though you aren't able to talk it over with the other person, you will understand more about how you feel when you have read your words over again.
- Listen to what the other person has to say. Each person involved has his or her own point of view and should have the chance to express it.
- When the fight is over, drop it. Forgive and forget. Don't keep bringing up the fight or hold on to your anger once an argument is over, even if it was not resolved the way you wanted.
