U.S. Care

Family conflicts are normal. You can't get along with your partner or the kids all the time. While family drama is unavoidable, we need to learn how to manage family conflicts well to avoid significant damage to family relationships.

As summer comes around, learning how to manage family conflicts becomes more necessary as the kids have more free time. When needed, you can get family therapy in Fairfax through U.S. Care, but it also pays to know these conflict management tips.

Keep Calm and Communicate

When conflicts happen, people are high-strung on emotions. You can get sad, angry, or afraid, and it's hard to stay calm. You need to mind the tone of your voice and be direct with your words to navigate a family conflict. If you can't, walk away. It’s easier to make a family conflict bigger when we are emotional, so it's better to revisit the conversation when you're in a better frame of mind.

Focus on Respect

Your family members will have different opinions on politics, career, or the best barbecue in town. So, keep an open mind and be respectful during disagreements. It’s not always possible to reach a resolution or common ground, but avoid hurling personal insults during a conflict. Instead, focus on the issue. And always practice respect to avoid bigger rifts in the family.

Set Personal Boundaries

Conflicts provide opportunities for families to understand each other better and lead to difficult but necessary conversations. But when conflicts lead to aggressive behavior or start causing an emotional disturbance, it may be time to try family support services or family therapy.

Don't discount the need for family therapy and preservation interventions for some conflicts. You don't need to resolve all conflicts after family therapy, but you learn skills to improve your relationship with your family.

You can't solve all family conflicts, but misunderstandings should not threaten the health and happiness of your family. When needed, seek professional counseling to help you succeed at having a happier and healthier family life. If you’re struggling with family conflict in Fairfax, schedule an appointment with U.S. Care to learn more about ways to keep your family together.