Conflicts are a natural part of living together, but with targeted measures and a well-thought-out environment, many disputes can be avoided or de-escalated early. In this article, we explore how daily life in daycare can be structured so that children feel safe and secure, reducing the potential for conflicts—and how these principles can also be applied at home in interactions between parents and children.
1. Creating a Safe and Stimulating Environment
- In Daycare: A clear room structure helps children orient themselves and act independently. This reduces frustration and conflicts over space or toys. Dividing areas into different play zones creates retreats and provides children with space for various activities.
- At Home: Organized systems for toys and books help children clean up independently and reduce disputes over belongings. A designated space for creative activities and free play can lower tensions.
2. Clear Structures and Routines
- In Daycare: Regular routines, smooth transitions with announcements, and small rituals help children switch between activities more easily. Reliable rules foster a sense of community and provide guidance.
- At Home: Fixed schedules for meals, bedtime, and playtime create security and reduce uncertainties that can lead to frustration. Parents can make transitions smoother through music, timers, or brief announcements.
3. Emotional Security and Attachment
- In Daycare: A stable relationship with caregivers gives children a sense of security, making them more balanced and reducing conflicts. Educators help children name and regulate their emotions.
- At Home: A reliable emotional bond with parents and regular conversations about feelings promote emotional well-being. Parents can help children put emotions into words, preventing conflicts.
- Conflict Potential with Parents: Parents often experience stress due to time constraints, work obligations, or exhaustion. In such moments, when children don’t cooperate as expected, the potential for conflict rises. It is understandable for parents to feel frustrated or helpless in these situations. However, taking a step back and considering the child’s needs can help: What is behind the behavior? Is it really defiance—or perhaps fatigue, hunger, or the need for closeness?
- Example 1: A child refuses to go to bed because they don't feel tired. Instead of strict commands, parents can offer an alternative: "You don’t have to sleep right away, but you can look at a book in bed."
- Example 2: Disputes over cleaning up toys can be avoided by setting clear expectations ("We clean up together after dinner") and guiding the child through the process.
- Example 3: If children dawdle while getting dressed and parents are in a hurry, a playful approach, like a race ("Can you put on your shoes before I put on my jacket?") can be effective.
Handling these moments consciously can help de-escalate conflicts. For example, reminding oneself, "My child is not acting against me but for themselves," can shift perspectives. Responding with patience and empathy instead of engaging in a power struggle leads to fewer conflicts in the long run. Taking a few deep breaths or a short pause before reacting impulsively can also be beneficial.
4. Promoting Social and Communication Skills
- In Daycare: Role-playing and group activities promote social skills and give children the opportunity to practice conflict resolution. Language development also helps them resolve disputes verbally.
- At Home: Family board games or joint role-playing encourage children to develop social skills in a playful way. Parents can strengthen their children's language abilities through regular conversations, reading aloud, or storytelling together.
5. Reducing Individual Stress Factors
- In Daycare: Movement, age-appropriate activities, and consideration of basic needs such as food and rest contribute to a balanced atmosphere.
- At Home: Walks, playground visits, or movement games help children release excess energy. Maintaining consistent sleep and meal schedules can prevent many conflicts.
- Conflict Potential with Parents: Children who feel unbalanced often react irritably or defiantly. Parents can counteract this through clear agreements, realistic expectations, and shared quality time.
6. Working Together Instead of Against Each Other
- In Daycare: Joint activities, such as designing a birthday circle or group projects, strengthen team spirit. Educators model cooperation and respect.
- At Home: Cooking, crafting, or family projects foster a sense of belonging. Parents should serve as role models for respectful and cooperative behavior.
- Parent-Child Relationship: Misunderstandings between parents and children can often be reduced through open communication. Empathetic conversations and taking children's perspectives seriously help de-escalate conflicts.
Conclusion
Conflict prevention begins with a loving environment, clear structures, and empathetic caregivers. Recognizing individual needs, fostering social skills, and building a harmonious community can prevent many conflicts—both in daycare and at home.
In the next article, we will explore how children can be specifically supported in developing their emotional competence—another important step toward a peaceful everyday life in both daycare and family life.
