Conflict Basics
What is a conflict?
A disagreement or problem between people with different needs, wants, or opinions.
Give one example of an unhelpful reaction during conflict.
Yelling, ignoring, blaming, sarcasm, walking away without explanation.
Name one healthy way to respond during conflict.
Calm voice, listening, using “I” statements, asking for help.
What is a ripple effect?
How one action affects other people and situations.
What is the first step in fixing a conflict?
Pause and calm down.
True or False: Conflict always means someone is in trouble.
False.
Why is saying “Whatever, I don’t care” unhelpful?
It shuts down communication and doesn’t solve the problem.
Why is listening important during a disagreement?
It helps you understand the other person’s perspective.
Can one small choice cause a big ripple? Explain or give example.
Yes. Getting enough rest can lead to me being more energized, which can lead to me paying better attention in class, which can lead to me getting better grades.
Why is pausing before responding important?
It helps prevent emotional reactions.
Name one place conflict commonly happens for students.
School, home, online, sports, group work, friendships.
What usually happens when someone reacts with anger instead of thinking?
The conflict escalates or gets worse.
What does an “I” statement help you do?
Express feelings without blaming.
What is one negative ripple from ignoring a conflict?
Hurt feelings, damaged relationships, ongoing tension.
What step involves explaining how you feel using respectful words?
Express your feelings
Why is it better to fix conflict early instead of ignoring it?
It prevents the problem from growing bigger or causing more harm.
How can blaming language (“You always…”) affect a conflict?
It makes the other person defensive and less likely to listen.
Give an example of turning an unhelpful reaction into a healthy one.
“You never listen!” → “I feel ignored when I’m not heard.”
What is one positive ripple from fixing a conflict calmly?
Better relationships, trust, teamwork, respect.
What does finding a solution mean in a conflict?
Choosing a fair way to move forward together.
What is the difference between a conflict and bullying?
Conflict involves disagreement between people with equal power; bullying involves repeated harm and imbalance of power.
Explain why avoiding conflict completely can still cause problems later.
Feelings build up and the issue may explode later.
Why is taking responsibility for your part of a conflict important?
It helps build trust and move toward a solution.
How can your reaction to conflict affect people who are not directly involved?
Others may feel uncomfortable, take sides, or copy the behavior
Why does reflecting after a conflict matter?
It helps you learn and handle future conflicts better.