How can parents handle squabbles between kids?

School vacations bring more squabbles between children due to longer days spent together, less structure, and sharing of resources. Children need to learn how to resolve conflicts independently, as this builds crucial life skills. Parents should be available and intervene only in safety-critical situations or when the conflict is one-sided.

Instead of adjudicating disputes, parents should focus on building empathy and conflict-resolution skills. Validating each child's feelings and perspectives is essential, rather than demanding apologies. When emotions are high, pausing the activity allows everyone to calm down before discussing the conflict. Reminding children of basic rules, like not taking others' things, can be more effective than lecturing.

Allowing children to solve problems themselves leads to better compliance. Modeling accountability by acknowledging and repairing mistakes helps children feel safe being vulnerable and learn to apologize genuinely.