What is a recommended technique when interacting with children in a dispute situation?

Engaging in active listening is a recommended technique when interacting with children in a dispute situation because it fosters a sense of safety, respect, and validation for the child’s feelings and experiences. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the child is saying, understanding their perspective, and responding thoughtfully. This approach helps in building trust between the adult and the child, encouraging open communication. It empowers the child by making them feel heard and valued, which is crucial in conflict resolution.

In contrast, using authoritative language can create barriers between the adult and the child, making them feel intimidated or less likely to share their thoughts. Avoiding eye contact can lead to the child feeling neglected or unimportant, which would be counterproductive in a dispute resolution scenario. Enforcing strict consequences can instill fear and resentment without promoting understanding or resolution of the underlying issues. Thus, active listening stands out as the most effective technique in these interactions.