Promoting Positive Relationships

Some level of arguing and conflict between parents is often a normal part of everyday life. However, there is strong evidence to show how inter-parental conflict that is frequent, intense and poorly resolved can have a significant negative impact on children’s mental health and long-term life chances. 

Relationship distress is different from domestic abuse. This is because there is not an imbalance of power, neither parent seeks to control the other, and neither parent is fearful of the other. However, it is vital to empower families with the skills to promote positive relationships as doing this can help to ensure that conflict does not lead to lasting damage to children, young people and adults. 

There are many things we can do to help reduce conflict and arguing:

• Take time to talk with family members about what is concerning you, book a time in
• Set ground rules for talking through ideas. Walking away, having a break is a good place to start
• Know what triggers you. Think about what triggers a strong reaction from you being able to think clearly
• Spend more time together – family time
• Celebrate things you agree on and use this when you are talking in the future
• Have a support network
• Think and use your own coping strategies

This video link PPR for Families provides an overview of what Manchester is doing to support families to promote positive relationships. If you think that you may need some additional support to manage the conflict then ask to speak to a member of staff at your local Sure Start or Family Hub Site who will be able to provide further information on how to access the required tools to help you and your family.