Young Children in Child Care: The Role Adults Play in Managing their Conflicts

Abstract

The conflict behaviour of three year old children in child care centres was examined using an interpretative paradigm and qualitative methodology to ascertain the shared meanings (between the researchers and the children) of each event. One strategy children used to solve their conflicts was to involve adults. This set of the data is examined in more detail. Adults were more likely to allow themselves to become involved in children's conflicts when these conflicts involved physical activity that may escalate into a more aggressive interaction. The implications of these findings for professionals working with children in group care are discussed.

Key words:

• Children
• conflict management
• conflict resolution
• child care
• caregivers