How to Stop Fighting With the Kids

If your peaceful home has turned into more of a battle zone because you spend so much time fighting with your kids, learn to restore the peace and give each other the respect you deserve. Use these tips to keep your disagreements to a minimum.

Instructions

1. Listen to what your kids have to say to improve communication. They may grow impatient and cranky if you're not paying attention to their requests and just saying, "No" automatically, for example. Give them as much consideration and respect as you want them to give you.

2. Pick your battles. If you find yourself bickering over something that doesn't merit a full-blown argument like taking out the trash or folding the laundry, make a joke or be playful about the request. Your kids will be more cooperative if they're in good humor rather than on the defensive.

3. Stay calm when you're having a discussion about house rules, something your kids want or an action that merits punishment. If you're angry or irrational, your emotions will affect them and cause the argument to escalate.

4. Head fights off before they happen. If you know the family always argues while playing specific board games, find new ones that foster cooperation instead of conflict. If you fight when deciding what to have for dinner, place the name of each person's favorite restaurant in a box and draw one as the final decision.

5. Reduce their fights with each other to cut down on the overall tension in the house. Ignore their minor skirmishes instead of getting involved in the fights yourself. Teach them how to compromise to resolve their differences. You may even find them applying the peacekeeping tactics in their interactions with you.