According to the government’s Family Relationships Online some of the most common triggers to family conflict include separation or divorce, a house move, travelling long distances or commuting interstate for work and financial insecurity. However, even seemingly joyous family events such as birthdays, holidays, weddings and the birth of children can create unforeseen stress or conflict.

According to experts, you don’t have to accept family conflict as the norm. Effective communication from both parties and coping strategies can help turn your family gatherings into a more positive situation for all.

Communication is key
“Communication is always the best method to remedy a situation. This means providing a safe environment for both people to converse and exchange feelings and thoughts,” says counselling psychotherapist Dr Karen Phillip.

“It can be resolved even if both people may not completely agree. However, if they can agree to have different perspectives and beliefs this is a big step to acceptance and unity,” she adds.

Dr Phillip says trying to walk in the other person’s shoes can often be the most challenging task during a family conflict situation.

“We need to always remember that each person has a firm belief they are correct therefore it is not a matter of one admitting fault but both accepting their own differences and beliefs.”

A relationship counsellor can help provide techniques for dealing with broken family relationships

Focus on the solution
Many individuals are unable to see through the problem, says Dr Phillip, when they should be focusing on the solution instead.

“Before discussing the matter, have two solutions worked out and allow the other person to select the best one for them and the situation. As long as you are comfortable with either solution and they choose and own one of them, you are both on the same page and a resolution is easier and more permanent.”

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