Elaine Shpungin writes another great article on managing family conflict: 3 Steps that Transform Sibling Conflict into Sibling Camaraderie: http://bit.ly/94KTHd
I love the simple and clear way Elaine Shpungin writes about a way to hear each other when the kids are fighting…even when I see my children roll their eyes and balk at the idea of looking at each other, let alone listen to what’s important to each of them. There are so many times when I’m not centred or creative. I may not have it in me to empathize with my children and myself in the moment. This way, when the kids are fighting, I can invite empathy and problem solving, without being the boss.
Elaine Shpungin writes, “I have handled these disputes using a combination of different strategies, including “letting them work it out”, “teaching them effective communication skills (ha!)”, “separating them”, “giving each of them empathy,” “mediating,” “refereeing”, “problem-solving” and “punishing.” None of these have been as effective, efficient, and satisfying to me (or to them!) as the method described below, which I have freely adopted from Dominic Barter’s Restorative Circles model (and lovingly named “micro-circles”).”
Connect with us