Parent relationships

Managing conflict

Conflict is a normal part of any parent relationship.

It only starts to become a problem when conflict is frequent, intense and not resolved well. The latest research tells us that conflict is harmful to children and affects their mental health, behaviour and success at school.

This website is for parents whether together, separated or considering separation, who want to find ways to improve their relationship and get on better.

It is also for professionals across the city who are supporting parents to reduce conflict.

One time, an argument between my parents got so bad I actually hid under my bed, I just wanted to get away from it but didn’t know how.

Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse?

Parental conflict and domestic abuse are two separate things, but it can sometimes be difficult to work out if your relationship is abusive or just in a bad place.

As a general guide, if your relationship with your partner, ex-partner or a member of your family is abusive:

they will want to hold all the power and control
you might be fearful of them
their abuse will have happened more than once, or you will notice patterns

Helpful websites

Parent Relationship Spectrum

This guide from the Stefanou Foundation is designed for professionals when trying to work out if a relationship is healthy, has conflict or is abusive.

Parent Relationships Spectrum