Negotiation skills need taught to children in schools and at home. It is a necessary life skill that involves empathy and compromise. Teachers and parents that teach this skill enhance a student’s confidence, self-esteem, empathy as well as social relationship skills.
At some point in life, everyone negotiates. Negotiation occurs in married life, sports and children’s games. These types of negotiation involve fairness and understanding other people. Therefore, it results in a positive outcome for all involved.
Skilled Negotiating
Children get power and independence from negotiating. It helps them to deal with conflict. There are many opportunities to teach this skill. Some steps to work out a problem through negotiating:
• Start with a calm moment before negotiating.
• Don’t place blame on others. There is no first or best.
• Decide an interest that all parties have in common. A brainstorm session may work to decide on an interest.
• Formulate rules for possible problems or roadblocks.
Most of the time, children prepare themselves for negotiations. They are ready for why they should have a snack, stay up later than usual, use the computer or tablet or to play outside.
However, children must know their audience in order to properly negotiate. It helps them to understand when they are able to negotiate and when they are not.
Many skills are involved in the art of negotiation.
• First, they must be an active listener. Also, they must be a good communicator.
• Next, they need to understand how to build a relationship with their peers or other adults.
• Students must know how to make a decision.
• In addition, they must be able to problem solve.
• Last, perseverance is important. Don’t give up on the goal.
Parents and teachers that take time to negotiate and teach the skill involved in negotiations teach children to respect others and honor their opinions. Utilization of skills and strategies help to build strong negotiators. This will pay off for a lifetime.
