* Lack of perspective-taking: Young children often struggle to understand another person's point of view. What seems like a minor slight to one child might be deeply hurtful to another, and vice-versa. They haven't yet developed empathy and the ability to see things from another's perspective.
* Poor communication skills: They may not have the vocabulary or the ability to articulate their feelings and needs effectively. This leads to misunderstandings and escalating conflicts.
* Impulsivity and emotional regulation difficulties: Elementary-aged children are still learning to control their emotions and impulses. They may react aggressively or defensively without thinking through the consequences.
* Competition for resources and attention: This includes vying for toys, preferred activities, teacher attention, or social status within their peer group. Limited resources and a desire for social acceptance fuel conflicts.
* Unclear social rules and boundaries: Children are still learning the unwritten rules of social interaction. A lack of understanding about appropriate behavior, personal space, and sharing can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements.
While specific issues like teasing, bullying, or arguments over possessions are common, these are symptoms of the underlying issues of social-emotional immaturity and a lack of conflict resolution strategies.