Skill
Solves Peer Conflicts
Child uses simple problem-solving to work through conflicts with other children.
Ages 36–60 months
Why it matters
Naming a social problem, voicing feelings, and trying a fair solution — sharing, taking turns, compromising — lets a preschooler resolve disputes without aggression and is the root of later negotiation and self-advocacy.
Builds toward this milestone
- uses basic problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts with other children. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Recognizes and describes a basic social problem, such as two children wanting the same toy.
- Tries a strategy for common conflicts, such as sharing, taking turns, or compromising.
- Expresses own feelings and needs in a conflict and seeks adult help when needed.
How to observe it
- In a picture or real moment, can the child say what the social problem is?
- When two children want the same thing, does the child try a fair solution?
- Does the child use words for their feelings and ask for help when stuck?
Accessibility
- Provide a small set of visual solution cards (share, take turns, get help) to point to.
- Pre-teach and rehearse conflict scripts one-on-one before expecting them in the moment.
Safety
- Step in promptly if a conflict risks hurting a child; safety comes before practicing the steps.
Activities
Learn first
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas