How to Cope With Fighting Kids

Don’t Get Entangled in the Fight

When a parent steps into the fray, this says to children that bickering and whining bring a conflict to a swift conclusion. So avoid taking a side when kids fight. Challenge kids to come up with a fair solution together. Putting the ball back in their court shows them that they are expected to be part of the solution.

But if fighting escalates, parents may need to step in. If you must intervene, make it quick and decisive. Find a compromise or separate kids, either by the command (“Everyone to your rooms.”) or by cajoling ("Suzy, ​come play in my room."). Do not get sucked into the debate. Leave the discussion of the issues behind the fight for another time when tempers are cooler.

Model the Behavior You Want to See

Don't just talk about how to resolve conflicts; show children. Fighting or shouting as a solution to a disagreement is reinforced when kids see parents do the same. Don't fight with your spouse (or relatives or friends) in front of the kids. And though it can be tough to be heard above the din of fighting kids, try not to raise your voice when kids are bickering.

Break the Bickering Cycle

Bickering is inherently reactive. Kids react to one another and then to you if you step in. To break the cycle, you need to be proactive, not reactive. Take action against bickering when the kids aren’t fighting.

In the heat of a fight, no one is listening. Whatever you, as a parent, say kids are likely to think you’re siding with someone else. Wait until heads are cooler, then remind kids of (or set) ground rules. Emphasize kindness and coach kids on compromise. Being consistent with this proactive approach will reduce kids’ fights in the long run.

Don’t Reward Kids for Fighting

Reward kids for fighting? Why would anyone do that? But parents do reward kids' fighting by giving it too much attention. Often bickering is as much about getting attention than any number of petty things that kids fight over. And whose attention do bickering kids usually want most? Parents, of course.​

If you work at home, kids may catch on to the fact that a big blow out will likely get you out of your office. Don’t come running at the first sign of trouble. Give them the chance to work it out first.

Keep Kids Busy

So often kids’ fighting stems from boredom. When kids are actively engaged in independent play activities, they are less likely to fight. And independent activities teach kids to handle their problem (i.e. boredom) without running to a parent. And this is what they need to learn to stop fighting.

And while TV can keep kids busy, too much TV can actually cause more fighting because it's so often the object kids fight over but also because it’s not an active kind of play.

Find the Underlying Source of the Problem

While boredom and a desire for attention are two common reasons for fighting, there are many other reasons for it. These could be as complicated as underlying sibling rivalry or as simple as hunger. Sometimes bickering is just a way for kids to blow off steam. Understanding the cause of the fights will indicate the best way to handle it.

Stop Fighting Before It Starts

Whenever possible, anticipate the situations when your kids are most likely to fight. Some likely times are when riding in the car, while you are working in your home office, during transitions from one activity to another or just before meals. Be prepared when heading into these situations.

Also think about the types of things they fight over: toys, TV, computer, privileges like sitting in a favorite chair or having a friend over. Work out equitable rules for these things. But remember that rules won't make everything exactly even, When kids get the idea that that’s how it should always be, they find it harder to accept situations they perceive as unfair, and more fighting ensues.

Don't Get Discouraged

Reducing kids' fighting is a process that won't happen overnight. And some kids are more prone to bickering than others. Give kids the structure and strategies they need to deal with problems, but remember they are kids. Fighting with your siblings is all part of being a kid.