United Front vs. Arguments-Part 2
by Dr. Coach Love
In Part 1, I described how family values, practices and rules about disagreement, arguing, and conflict impact differently on children. Unless consciously changed, we carry that impact with us into our adult relationships. Often, people with opposite childhood experiences regarding conflict and disagreement marry. Consider these 5 parent coaching tips to help present a healthy role model for conflict and disagreement to your children:
1. It may be helpful for children to observe reasonably
expressed disagreement between parents.
§ Intimate topics should be avoided, of course.
§ Sit down together and decide what is acceptable for them to hear.
§ Avoid frequent or agressive conflict and arguing.
2. As far as the “united front” notion—
§ It can be positive for kids to see that parents do not always agree.
§ What’s important is to compromise on the solution.
§ Have kids witness compromise and settlement.
3. Children need to learn that disagreements are about differences.
§ People can disagree and still work on a common goal.
§ Differences are not bad or wrong.
4. Learn to provide a role model of healthy conflict resolution
for your family.
5. Help is available to build conflict resolution skills.
§ Locate self-help resources, books, and classes.
§ Seek professional family counseling or coaching.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Regards,
Dr. Coach Love
MORE INFO LINKS: Posts- Pt 3-15-08
v I invite your comments below.
v E-mail your relationship coaching questions to DrCoachLove@centurytel.net.
v Questions selected will be edited as needed to reflect privacy, brevity, clarity, and general interest.
v Sorry, Dr. Coach Love is unable to offer any personal advice through this blog.
v Check out relationship coaching services at www.HireCoach.com.
© Copyright 2008 P.H. Pickett, Ph.D. All rights reserved. Reprint with permission.
Contact DrCoachLove@CenturyTel.net for permissions.
