{"id":48741,"date":"2025-02-26T09:41:45","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T06:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/?p=48741"},"modified":"2026-03-06T16:14:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:14:24","slug":"kids-fighting-siblings-fighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/kids-fighting-siblings-fighting","title":{"rendered":"The Parents Guide to Kids Fighting: Why It Happens and How to Handle It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are your kids fighting at school? Don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re the only parent struggling with this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A lot of kids fight at some stage or another. There are many reasons for this, but regardless of the explanation, kids fighting often causes a lot of stress and tension for parents.<\/p>\n<p>Read on to learn all about the reasons behind kids and siblings fighting, along with some tips and tricks on how you can handle it.<\/p>\n<h2>Contents:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"contents\">\n<li><a href=\"#Children\">Children\u2019s Fights: Why They Happen and What To Expect<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Why\">Why Do Siblings Fight?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Why2\">Why Do Kids Fight at School?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#What\">What Affects Children\u2019s Fighting?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#How\">How To Handle Fighting at School and at Home: Tools Parents Can Use Today\u00a0<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Sibling\">Sibling Fights\/Fights at Home \u2014 How To Deal\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Fights\">Fights at School\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Specific\">Specific Steps for Those Who Witness a Fight in Progress and Need to Intervene Immediately<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"Children\">Children\u2019s Fights: Why They Happen and What To Expect<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_48749\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48749\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48749\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1.jpg\" alt=\"brothers fighting\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2045833529-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48749\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gatot Adri\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Fights and arguments among children are very common. Just like with adults, kids sometimes don\u2019t get along, disagree, or simply grow frustrated and tired with one another. However, where adults often have the maturity to talk things out or find other ways of conflict resolution, kids don\u2019t have the same faculties and tend to launch directly into fights and aggression.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many ways, conflict among schoolchildren is natural and normal.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s not pleasant to look at or hear about, but the vast majority of kids will have some sort of fight or at least the odd disagreement with their siblings, classmates, or even best friends from time to time. That\u2019s all part of the nature of growing up and learning about how to interact with other people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In terms of the \u201cWhy?\u201d behind children\u2019s fights, there are lots of possible causes and explanations. Children might get angry with one another over things that may seem trivial or bizarre to adults. Or the reasoning may be more obvious \u2013 for example, a child may get into a fight with their bully if they\u2019re sick of being picked on and called names.<\/p>\n<p>Children may also fight over things like not sharing, feeling left out or alienated by certain groups, losing attention from their closest friends, or even if they just feel angry about something unrelated to the person they\u2019re actually fighting, like an issue at home or something going on in their family life.<\/p>\n<p>In short, there are hundreds or even thousands of potential explanations, but they all boil down to the same basic concept: <strong>kids most often fight when they\u2019re angry, upset, or have other negative emotions that they don\u2019t fully control or understand<\/strong>. This makes them lash out, which can lead to shouting and hitting other kids.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Why\">Why Do Siblings Fight?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_48748\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48748\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48748\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1.jpg\" alt=\"kids fighting\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1164198346-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48748\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">fizkes\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Siblings fighting is a really common issue that so many families have to deal with. Just like kids fighting in general, sibling fighting is pretty normal and natural. However, the reasons behind it can be a little different when compared to general kids fighting in the classroom or on the playground, for example.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">\u0410ccording to research published by the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2022\/03\/feature-sibling-relationships\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">American Psychological Association (APA)<\/a>, approximately 80% of children experience some form of sibling conflict during childhood. Moreover, a study conducted by the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3341504\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)<\/a> found that sibling aggression, including physical fighting, occurs in about one-third of sibling relationships.<\/p>\n<p>A lot of times, siblings fight because they live in close proximity together, spend lots of time together, and naturally grow frustrated with one another now and then. They might also be annoyed or upset for other reasons, but take it out on their siblings purely due to the fact that they\u2019re an \u201ceasy\u201d target.<\/p>\n<p>Siblings may also fight, in part, because of the way their parents treat them. One sibling might be angry if they feel like their brother or sister receives preferential treatment or seems to be favored by their mom or dad, for example. Or, if the parents are very busy and don\u2019t spend much time with the kids, that can also lead to resentment and negative emotions building up.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a<strong> list of specific points summarizing the reasons<\/strong> why siblings fight:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Competition for attention or resources, such as toys or parental approval.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Differences in personalities, interests, or temperaments <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(we all know the troubled youth type\u2014they\u2019re quicker to lash out than their peers, simply due to shorter tempers or higher aggression levels).<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Power struggles and attempts to assert dominance or control.<\/li>\n<li>Mimicking behavior observed in adults or the media.<\/li>\n<li>Unresolved conflicts or past grievances.<\/li>\n<li>Need for independence and boundaries within the family dynamic.<\/li>\n<li>Developmental stages and changes in age-related roles and responsibilities.<\/li>\n<li>Lack of effective communication skills or conflict resolution strategies.<\/li>\n<li>Limited space or privacy in shared living environments.<\/li>\n<li>Normal developmental behaviors such as testing boundaries and asserting autonomy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"Why2\">Why Do Kids Fight at School?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_39387\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39387\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-39387\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/08\/bulling-podrostki-travlya-v-shkole.jpg\" alt=\"siblings fighting\" width=\"750\" height=\"483\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-39387\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rawpixel.com\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At school, there are also many reasons why kids might fight. Sometimes, it\u2019s plain and simple <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/bullying-at-school\">bullying<\/a>. One child may decide to pick on someone else for whatever reason. It could be the way they look, part of their personality, their ethnic background, the fact that they don\u2019t fit in as well with everyone else, or something different.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">When it comes to fights at school, data from the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/programs\/coe\/indicator\/a12\/physical-fights\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)<\/a> indicates that incidents of physical altercations among students have decreased in recent years. However, bullying remains a prevalent issue, with surveys reporting that around 20% of students in the United States have experienced bullying, either as a victim or as a perpetrator.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot of bullying going on in schools all over the globe, and it can be a difficult issue to identify and resolve. Some kids become violent and aggressive bullies and will fight almost any other child, regardless of what they have or haven\u2019t done, purely as a way to let out their anger and frustration, which may be caused by their parents or at-home issues.<\/p>\n<p>Kids might also fight at school due to disagreements and arguments that escalate into aggressive encounters. They might begin by arguing over something mundane, like one child skipping the cafeteria queue at lunch or a rumor they overheard in the schoolyard. Then, over time, those little arguments may build up into full-on fights.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s <strong>a list of specific points summarizing the reasons<\/strong> why kids fight at school:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Conflict over belongings or possessions, such as toys, gadgets, or school supplies.<\/li>\n<li>Differences in opinions, beliefs, or values lead to disagreements.<\/li>\n<li>Peer pressure and influence from friends or social groups.<\/li>\n<li>Misunderstandings or miscommunication between students.<\/li>\n<li>Bullying or harassment from peers, including verbal, physical, or cyberbullying.<\/li>\n<li>Competition for academic achievements, recognition, or leadership roles.<\/li>\n<li>Provocation or teasing from other students.<\/li>\n<li>Lack of conflict resolution skills or emotional regulation techniques.<\/li>\n<li>Social or cultural differences lead to misunderstandings or clashes.<\/li>\n<li>Seeking attention or recognition from peers or authority figures.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress, anxiety, or frustration over seemingly unrelated external circumstances, like school exams or any other school concept. The divorce concept can be especially challenging for young school children to process and lead to additional stress that causes fighting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"What\">What Affects Children\u2019s Fighting?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_48746\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48746\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48746\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1.jpg\" alt=\"why do siblings fight\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1059283349-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48746\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There are a lot of different factors that may impact how likely kids are to fight and how the fights actually play out. Here are some key examples.<\/p>\n<h3>Temperament<\/h3>\n<p>Naturally, temperament is key when considering how likely anyone is to get involved in a fight\u2014either starting it themselves or engaging with it if someone else tries to fight them. Some people\u2014including children\u2014are naturally more prone to aggression and confrontation than others and will therefore be more likely to have fights.<\/p>\n<p>Parents and teachers, therefore, need to be particularly cautious around kids who tend to lose their tempers quickly or those who tend to become aggressive and angry because of relatively minor triggers. Meanwhile, kids who are more <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/shy-kids\">shy<\/a>, introverted, and anxious are generally less likely to seek out or engage in physical conflict.<\/p>\n<h3>Environment<\/h3>\n<p>The environment can also impact kids&#8217; fighting. It has a direct influence on their mood, emotions, and mental state. For example, in a home where violent behavior and aggression appear to be commonplace and normal, it\u2019s much more likely for kids to emulate the behavior they see around them and be <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/aggressive-behaviour-in-children\">aggressive<\/a> too.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in calm, safe, and pleasant surroundings, children will typically be less likely to get involved in conflict and aggression. This is why teachers and parents have a part to play in fostering pleasant and comfortable environments where kids feel they can talk out their differences or get help from adults, rather than resorting to violence.<\/p>\n<h3>Age and Skills<\/h3>\n<p>Age and physical abilities will also impact the likelihood of fights and the potential dangers of those fights. Naturally, when kids get older and physically stronger, they can do more damage to one another. Two 16-year-olds fighting can really hurt one another, for example. Younger kids are less likely to do serious harm, but that doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t still injure one another.<\/p>\n<p>Age also has an impact on mental state and a child\u2019s ability to reason and control their emotions. Very young kids may be more prone to lashing out with aggression if they feel angry, as they don\u2019t yet understand how to talk through their problems and express their emotions in safer and calmer ways.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"How\">How To Handle Fighting at School and at Home: Tools Parents Can Use Today<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_20793\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20793\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-20793\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/05\/bulling-obzor-7.jpg\" alt=\"school fighing\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20793\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lopolo\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Next, let\u2019s look at some sensible tips and tricks that parents can keep in mind and utilize to help them manage fights if and when they break out, both in the home or at school.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Sibling\">Sibling Fights\/Fights at Home \u2014 How To Deal<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>Keep Calm: <\/strong>First, calmness is key when it comes to responding to siblings fighting. If you get angry or emotional, like the children, you\u2019re more likely to make the problem worse. Breathe and keep a level head as you try to calm the situation down.<em> &#8220;I understand that you&#8217;re upset, but let&#8217;s talk about what happened. Can you tell me what happened from your point of view?&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Listen to Both Sides: <\/strong>Communication is always important in these kinds of situations. Once you\u2019ve calmed and separated the fighting children, listen to their sides of the story and find out how and why the fight began.<em> &#8220;It&#8217;s important for both of you to share your side of the story. Please take your time to explain what happened.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Set Rules and Guidelines: <\/strong>In the home, parents should establish clear rules that kids need to follow, which should include no fighting or physical aggression. Kids should also be aware of the consequences (<a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/ways-to-discipline-your-child-or-why-punishment-doesnt-work\">punishments<\/a>) for breaking those rules. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be consistent with how you discipline your school children of any age.<\/span><em> &#8220;In our family, we use our words to solve problems, not our fists. If you choose to hit, there will be consequences, like losing screen time or privileges.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Set an Example: <\/strong>Kids of all ages look at their parents as role models. It\u2019s up to you to set the standard and show children how to behave. If you\u2019re prone to getting aggressive and violent, kids may copy that. Show them the right way to resolve conflicts. <em>&#8220;I understand that we have different opinions, but let&#8217;s find a compromise that works for both of us. How about we take turns choosing what to watch on TV?&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Encourage Empathy: <\/strong>Talk to children about the importance of empathy. Ask them to put themselves in other people\u2019s shoes and think about how they might be feeling and how they might suffer and be scared of fighting.<em> &#8220;How would you feel if someone treated you the way you treated your sibling\/classmate? It&#8217;s important to think about how our actions affect others.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Be Attentive: <\/strong>Often, kids will show signs of anger or being upset before lashing out and starting a fight. Be attentive to them and talk to them if it feels like something is wrong. Again, communication is crucial here. <em>&#8220;I can tell something is bothering you. Would you like to talk about it? I&#8217;m here to listen and help.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Seek Professional Help if Needed: <\/strong>If sibling fighting is a recurring or serious issue in your household, you may need expert help to resolve it. Counselors and therapists may be able to help you get to the bottom of the problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"Fights\">Fights at School<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_41794\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-41794\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41794\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/12\/Banner-FMK-Listen-1.png\" alt=\"how to get siblings to stop fighting\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-41794\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Findmykids app<\/p><\/div>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>Communicate:<\/strong> Often, parents will only hear about fights at school after they\u2019ve occurred, and usually through teachers or other parents. Communicate with your kids to get the full story and understand how and why a fight occurred. <em>&#8220;I want to understand why the fight occurred. Can you walk me through what happened from your perspective?&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Understand: <\/strong>It can be tempting to get angry or jump to conclusions if you hear your child is involved in a fight. But it\u2019s important to understand their side of the story and acknowledge their emotions, even if you don\u2019t necessarily agree with them. <em>&#8220;It&#8217;s important for me to understand how you&#8217;re feeling and why this happened. Let&#8217;s talk about it together.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Speak with School Staff: <\/strong>At school, teachers are responsible for the safety of children, so you\u2019ll most likely want to speak with them to find out what they\u2019re going to do to prevent future fights (and how you can help). <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with the team of educators at your child\u2019s school to address patterns forming at school that threaten certainty around school safety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <em>&#8220;I&#8217;ll schedule a meeting with the school staff to address the situation and see how we can support you better.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Teach Positive Conflict Resolution: <\/strong>Use your own wisdom and experience to guide your children. Teach them <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/how-to-teach-the-child-to-defend-themselves\">ways they can deal with aggression<\/a> from others or resolve arguments and disputes, rather than escalate them into full-blown fights. <em>&#8220;Let&#8217;s talk about how you could have handled the situation differently. What are some ways you could resolve conflicts peacefully next time?&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Use Apps and Tech Tools:<\/strong> Apps like <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.onelink.me\/xY6s?pid=content_team&amp;amp;c=en&amp;amp;af_channel=blog&amp;amp;af_adset=article&amp;amp;af_ad=kids-fighting-siblings-fighting&amp;amp;af_sub1=text\">Findmykids<\/a> can help you keep track of your children and ensure they\u2019re not getting into dangerous locations. Findmykids even lets you listen in on children on-demand and check up on them if you\u2019re worried.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Positive Reinforcement: <\/strong>Positive reinforcement\u2014acknowledging and rewarding children when they behave well\u2014can be a valuable method in teaching them not to fight and instead to seek peaceful and calm resolutions.<em> &#8220;I&#8217;m proud of you for handling that situation calmly. That&#8217;s exactly how we should handle conflicts.&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelBlue\">Keep your kids safe and connected with the Findmykids app. <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.onelink.me\/xY6s?pid=content_team&amp;amp;c=en&amp;amp;af_channel=blog&amp;amp;af_adset=article&amp;amp;af_ad=kids-fighting-siblings-fighting&amp;amp;af_sub1=CTA\">Download the app now<\/a> to effortlessly track their location, set safe zones, and receive instant alerts. Gain peace of mind knowing you can always stay connected, wherever they may be.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Specific\">Specific Steps for Those Who Witness a Fight in Progress and Need to Intervene Immediately<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_48747\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48747\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48747\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1.jpg\" alt=\"kids fight\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_457646809-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Collin Quinn Lomax\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Quickly evaluate the safety <\/strong>of the environment and the severity of the fight. Look for any potential weapons or objects that could cause harm.<\/li>\n<li>If the fight is serious or you feel unable to handle it alone, <strong>call for help<\/strong> from other adults nearby, such as teachers, security personnel, or other parents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Approach the fighting children calmly<\/strong> but assertively. Use a steady and confident tone of voice to grab their attention without escalating the situation further.<\/li>\n<li>If the fight involves physical aggression,<strong> intervene immediately to physically separate<\/strong> the children. Use a non-threatening but firm grip to guide them apart and create space between them.<\/li>\n<li>Once the children are separated, <strong>give clear and concise instructions<\/strong> to help them understand what needs to happen next. Use simple commands like &#8220;Stop,&#8221; &#8220;Take a breath,&#8221; or &#8220;Listen to me.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check for any injuries<\/strong> or signs of distress and provide assistance as needed. Attend to any physical injuries and offer comfort and reassurance to the children involved.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Redirect the children&#8217;s attention<\/strong> away from the conflict by engaging them in a different activity or asking them to focus on something positive. This can help diffuse tension and calm emotions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Encourage the children to talk<\/strong> about what happened and express their feelings in a calm and respectful manner. <strong>Use active listening techniques <\/strong>to show that you are genuinely interested in understanding their perspective. (Examples of active listening techniques: 1. Mirroring\u2014Repeat back what the child says to show understanding and encourage further expression; 2. Summarizing\u2014Condense the child&#8217;s message into key points to demonstrate comprehension and provide validation.)<\/li>\n<li>After the immediate situation has been resolved, <strong>follow up with the children<\/strong> to ensure they are okay and offer ongoing support if needed. Discuss strategies for preventing future conflicts and encourage open communication moving forward.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>By following these steps, you can effectively intervene in a fight as it&#8217;s happening and help de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved.<\/p>\n<h2>Summing Up: Dealing with Kids Fighting<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_48757\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48757\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48757\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1.jpg\" alt=\"brother and sisters fight\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_59859379-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">greenland\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Overall, there\u2019s no doubt that kids fighting can trigger a lot of stress and fright for parents, teachers, and guardians. It\u2019s never nice to see kids fighting or hear that your child has been involved in a fight. Unfortunately, this is something that a lot of parents will still have to go through at some time or another.<\/p>\n<p>But, as this guide has shown, there are plenty of methods at your disposal to mitigate the risks and dangers of kids fighting. Communication is key, along with using technological tools\u2014like the Findmykids app\u2014to help keep track of your children and prevent them from getting into dangerous situations.<\/p>\n<p>Keep these tips and tricks in mind to help keep your kids safe, and be sure to share this guide around. That way, other parents will also be able to get help with their kids or siblings fighting.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_48753\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48753\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1.jpg\" alt=\"siblings arguing\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_2035201043-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48753\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside Creative House\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>What do you do when your kids are fighting?<\/h3>\n<p>Ideally, the first focus should be to try to separate them as soon as possible. As long as it\u2019s safe to do so, try to put yourself between the children and get them apart. Remain calm to the best of your abilities, and try to calm down your children, too, through some simple exercises like breathing or counting to 10. From there, you can discuss with them how the fight began.<\/p>\n<h3>How to handle kids fighting at school?<\/h3>\n<p>Handling kids fighting at school starts with immediate de-escalation: adults should stay calm, stop the fight using clear verbal commands, separate the children safely, and involve school staff if needed. After the incident, it\u2019s important to understand the root cause by calmly talking with the children and coordinating with teachers or counselors, focusing on what led to the conflict rather than assigning blame. Long-term solutions include teaching conflict resolution, empathy, and anger management skills, setting clear rules about physical aggression, and reinforcing positive behavior so children learn how to handle disagreements without fighting.<\/p>\n<h3>What to do with kids who won&#8217;t stop fighting?<\/h3>\n<p>There are many long-term teaching techniques you can try to encourage children or siblings to stop fighting. Often, communication is key. You have to understand why the fights happen and why one or more children feel such anger or strong emotions. Set rules and boundaries to help kids play and interact in safe ways, and supervise as needed to prevent fights from breaking out.<\/p>\n<h3>How much sibling fighting is normal?<\/h3>\n<p>Sibling rivalries and sibling fighting are very common phenomena encountered by the majority of families. It&#8217;s natural and normal for brothers and sisters to get annoyed with one another and argue or clash from time to time. However, if the issue is persistent, recurring, and results in serious issues, like physical fights, parents will need to take steps to solve the issue.<\/p>\n<h3>Are parents responsible for <a href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/sibling-rivalry\">sibling rivalry<\/a>?<\/h3>\n<p>Parents&#8217; actions can absolutely have an impact on sibling rivalries and make them worse, especially if children feel like one sibling is treated differently or favored over the others. It&#8217;s important for parents to spend quality time with their kids and treat them in a balanced way to reduce the risk of rivalries and siblings fighting.<\/p>\n<h3>Is it normal for kids to fight at school?<\/h3>\n<p>Kids\u2014whether they\u2019re elementary school girls and boys or older students\u2014are navigating emotions, relationships, and boundaries. A high school student, in particular, is most likely to engage in fights on school property. Though not normal, fighting is not unusual.<\/p>\n<h3>What happens if my child gets in a fight at school?<\/h3>\n<p>If your child is involved in a fight on school property, their teacher at school and the administration will likely step in to address the situation. Many schools have clear protocols involving communication with parents, discussions with the children involved, and sometimes even disciplinary actions.<\/p>\n<h3>Are school fights considered assault?<\/h3>\n<p>A physical altercation during school hours can sometimes escalate into a legal matter. Depending on the severity of the situation and the ages involved, fights could potentially be classified as assault, especially if someone is seriously hurt. However, schools often try to manage these incidents within the educational environment, keeping it focused on learning and restorative practices.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\">The picture on the front page: SpeedKingz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-default \" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_not_liked\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"48741\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"624c960e45\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"likeThis\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-default\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-disable-pophover=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_likethis_48741\"><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are your kids fighting at school? Don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re the only parent struggling with&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":48755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"layf_related_links":[""],"layf_exclude_from_feed":["1"],"classic-editor-remember":["classic-editor"],"_edit_lock":["1772802916:1"],"_edit_last":["1"],"mpulseenable_meta_value":["no"],"yzcategory_meta_value":["\u0414\u043e\u043c"],"yzrating_meta_value":["\u041d\u0435\u0442 (\u043d\u0435 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u0432\u0437\u0440\u043e\u0441\u043b\u044b\u0445)"],"yzrssenabled_meta_value":["no"],"_s2mail":["yes"],"\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["\u0412\u0430\u0441\u0438\u043b\u0438\u0439 \u0421\u043c\u0438\u0440\u043d\u043e\u0432"],"_\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["field_5e33cab3984d1"],"\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":[""],"_\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":["field_5e33cbc1984d2"],"hide-in-popular":[""],"_hide-in-popular":["field_5d0c8a5b4fde2"],"_aioseo_title":["Kids Fighting at School and Home: Why Siblings Fight and What Parents Can Do | Findmykids"],"_aioseo_description":["Are your kids fighting at school or at home? Find out what\u2019s behind the tussle and how to stop the conflict for good."],"_aioseo_keywords":[""],"_aioseo_og_title":[null],"_aioseo_og_description":[null],"_aioseo_og_article_section":[""],"_aioseo_og_article_tags":[""],"_aioseo_twitter_title":[null],"_aioseo_twitter_description":[null],"_thumbnail_id":["48755"],"_wp_old_date":["2024-04-12","2024-04-15"],"saswp_custom_schema_field":[""],"custom_title":[""],"_custom_title":["field_67cfbde67c007"],"custom_image":[""],"_custom_image":["field_67d012de223ac"],"custom_alt":[""],"_custom_alt":["field_67d012f6223ad"],"read_more":[""],"_read_more":["field_67d0130e223ae"],"_ez-toc-disabled":[""],"_ez-toc-insert":[""],"_ez-toc-header-label":[""],"_ez-toc-device-target":[""],"_ez-toc-alignment":["none"],"_ez-toc-heading-levels":["a:0:{}"],"_ez-toc-alttext":[""],"_ez-toc-visibility_hide_by_default":[""],"_ez-toc-hide_counter":[""],"_ez-toc-exclude":[""],"_ez-toc-word_count_limit":["0"],"_ez-toc-position-specific":[""]},"categories":[717],"tags":[525,502,532],"language":[3],"acf":{"custom_title":"","custom_image":"","custom_alt":"","read_more":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_343101878-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Khadija Bilal","author_link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/ru\/author\/khadija-bilal"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_343101878-1.jpg","reading_time":"13","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48741"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48741"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55663,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48741\/revisions\/55663"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48741"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=48741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}