{"id":22307,"date":"2022-08-04T12:27:14","date_gmt":"2022-08-04T02:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com\/?p=22307"},"modified":"2022-08-04T12:27:14","modified_gmt":"2022-08-04T02:27:14","slug":"how-to-successfully-navigate-conflict-at-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com\/how-to-successfully-navigate-conflict-at-school\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Successfully Navigate Conflict at School"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

We\u2019ll let you in on a secret: conflict happens.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At home, in the workplace, at the gym – and school – <\/em>nowhere is safe!<\/p>\n

Conflict is a part of life, and not all conflict is \u2018bad\u2019; it doesn\u2019t need to end with a big fight or argument. Understanding how to handle and navigate these scenarios when they arise is a vital life skill.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s getting heated during a sports game or someone taking your stuff without asking, no matter how big, small, silly or essential – here are a few tips on handling conflict like a pro.<\/p>\n

5 Tips for Successfully Navigate Conflict at School<\/h3>\n

Before diving in, it\u2019s worth knowing that different things work for different people.<\/p>\n

While you read through this list, it\u2019s okay if it\u2019s not something you would do! But try to stay open-minded – you never know what will help in different situations.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive in:<\/p>\n

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  1. Before reacting, hit PAUSE!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It\u2019s easy to get heated over silly things, especially if you\u2019re having a bad day.<\/p>\n

    Many things influence our mood, and our mood usually dictates how we respond. Something that wouldn\u2019t bother us usually might feel huge on a day when we\u2019ve forgotten breakfast, had an argument with our parents, or failed a test.<\/p>\n

    So, whether it\u2019s you reacting to a situation or another person – hit PAUSE – give yourself a moment to level up your awareness on why this might be getting to you right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. Ask yourself: How big is this problem?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Ask yourself how big is this problem or situation really? And is my reaction to it proportionate?<\/p>\n

      Flying off the handle and screaming because someone accidentally knocked you or a friend is way out of proportion for the scenario.<\/p>\n

      Consider what would be appropriate, and that\u2019s the point you start from.<\/p>\n

      MANAGING CONFLICT ACTIVITY:<\/strong> This is an excellent exercise to consider before facing conflict. Think of all the scenarios that might cause conflict or trigger you in school.<\/p>\n

      Write down an out-of-proportion reaction and what an appropriate one would look like.<\/p>\n

      How would you want someone to respond to you?<\/p>\n

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      1. Set clear boundaries and expectations.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        If a conflict arises, be clear about how you will or won\u2019t engage with it. It\u2019s okay to set firm boundaries and act on them if someone continually violates them.<\/p>\n

        To set a boundary, think about how you want to be treated – what you are prepared to put up with and what you are not.<\/p>\n

        Also, think about what you want to happen or what you will do if someone continually breaks your boundary during the conflict. For example, during a conflict, you probably don\u2019t want to be shouted at, and if you\u2019ve told someone this, but they keep raising their voice, it\u2019s okay to call time on the situation and tell them you\u2019ll only talk when they stop shouting.<\/p>\n

        MANAGING CONFLICT ACTIVITY:<\/strong> Think about the best ways you want to be treated by your peers and others around you – what does that look, sound, and feel like?<\/p>\n

        How can you communicate this to others in positive ways before<\/em> conflict arises?<\/p>\n

        Write down your ideas and share them with the people close to you.<\/p>\n

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        1. Walk away when you need to.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          It can be the hardest thing to do when conflict arises, and you feel wronged, unheard, or misunderstood somehow – or worse, when someone is actively trying to get you worked up! But it can also be an important way to manage conflict.<\/p>\n

          Walking away isn\u2019t about weakness or \u2018losing\u2019 – it\u2019s about putting all the tips above into practice, knowing that sometimes conflict isn\u2019t worth the drama and energy.<\/p>\n

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          1. Seek help and support.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Conflicts can take over your mental energy and sense of wellness if you let them drag on for too long. We often think we have to manage everything ourselves, but if you\u2019re continually worrying about a particular situation or experience, reach out to those who can help.<\/p>\n

            Whether your friends, teachers, parents, or school counselors – they\u2019re all here to help. Even just talking through it aloud with a neutral party can help you figure out how you might resolve things.<\/p>\n

            Don\u2019t suffer in silence; make sure you reach out, no matter what.<\/p>\n

            Some Helpful Resources<\/h3>\n

            To help you learn more about managing conflict, now or in the future, we\u2019ve compiled a few handy resources:<\/p>\n