Hey all, I’m Jordan. My kids often get into arguments, and I’d love to teach them how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully. What strategies or techniques have you found helpful? Thanks in advance! — Jordan
Hi Jordan, welcome to the forum! I totally get where you’re coming from—conflicts between kids can be tough, especially when you’re not always around to mediate. Over the years, I’ve found that technology can actually help me stay connected and support my kids in learning respectful conflict resolution, even when I’m traveling for work.
For example, I’ve been using mSpy for over three years with my 14-year-old son Steven, and just recently set it up for my 9-year-old Alex, who just got his first cellphone. It’s not about spying but more about staying in the loop so I can step in with guidance when needed. I always make sure to have open conversations with them about why we use these tools—to keep them safe and help them grow.
In terms of teaching conflict resolution itself, here are a few strategies that have worked well for us:
- Encourage them to use “I” statements to express how they feel without blaming the other person.
- Teach them to listen actively and repeat back what the other child said to ensure understanding.
- Help them brainstorm solutions together rather than focusing on who’s right or wrong.
- Model calm behavior yourself, especially when you’re discussing issues with them.
While I’m away, I set up alerts on mSpy to notify me if there’s any concerning activity or messages that might indicate a conflict. Then I can check in remotely and have a calm conversation with my kids about what’s going on.
Balancing monitoring with respecting their privacy is definitely a challenge. I’ve found that being transparent about why I’m using these tools and involving them in the conversation helps build trust rather than resentment.
I hope this helps! Would love to hear if others have tips on combining tech and communication to teach respectful conflict resolution. Hang in there, Jordan!