Is the problem getting bigger?

The way we deal with problems will either cause the problem to get smaller or go away, or to stay around and even get bigger. Clash Attack and Head in the Sand styles of handling conflict can lead to people ending up in a situations where the problem doesn't go away.

With a Clash Attack, the problem gets bigger because people are usually all fired up and angry.

Clash attacks can result in:

• heated arguments
• name calling
• teasing
• physical fighting
• feeling hurt, angry, sad or lonely

The problem doesn't go away, it doesn't get better, it may even get bigger!

Why do people Clash Attack?

• Their anger takes control
• They are at boiling point
• They haven't cooled down

With a Head in the Sand, the problem also remains because nothing is done to try to solve it

Putting our head in the sand can result in:

• feeling weighed down by the problem.
• avoiding situations.
• being left out

The problem doesn't go away here either and we can end up feeling hurt, angry, sad or scared…

Why do people put their Head in the Sand?

• They may be feeling too angry or upset to deal with the problem.
  (This can be a good decision because it can avoid a Clash Attack)
• They may be feeling worried or embarrassed about getting upset and crying in front of others
• They may be feeling scared and threatened by the problem

So you can see that both 'Clash Attack' and 'Head in the Sand' definitely DO NOT help to solve problems.