Resolving conflicts in the home

No relationship is without conflict. The way in which we handle these conflicts will be the defining characteristics of our personalities. Some marriages will endure harder challenges and this causes them to grow strong together or it forces them apart. Then there are the families that have large conflicts happen due to children moving from tweens to teens. No matter what, conflict is inevitable and we all need to face it sooner or later.
To resolve conflict in the home, you need to have open communication, patience, respect, and love. Parents need to understand their boundaries and children need to understand the house rules. Communication is the most essential tool in any relationship. Without proper communication, you will have a lot of confusion in your home and it may lead to unnecessary conflicts. If you are looking for tips on how to resolve conflict, here are a few:

• Always eat dinner together. Since families are so busy it is hard for many of them to find time to sit down an actually eat a meal together. Dinnertime is important. Make sure you shut off the television and other distractions and just spend time together as a family. It may be hard for your family at first, but pretty soon it will be a habit and everyone will benefit from it.


• Make time to do activities together. We have all seen the movies where the parents want to spend time with their children before they are grown up and off to college and their lives. These movies commonly portray the children being annoyed at their parents request only to discover that they have a good time in the end. Like the movie, you may go through some frustrating times, but in the end you are a family and you need to spend time together. Go bowling, to the movies, camping, the beach, etc. Try to do a family activity at least once a week to keep your family involved with one another.


• Talk! To resolve conflicts in the home, you need to spend time talking to each other. Learn how to recognize the non-verbal cues your family members are giving off so you can confront them if you think something is wrong. Even if your children don't say much, at least spend some time talking with them and try to get them to open up.


• Say "I Love You". The most important phrase you can ever tell anyone in your family is to say "I love you". Every family member deserves to hear this phrase more than once a day. When you say it, mean it. Don't just say it out of habit. Let your loved ones know you appreciate them in your life and that you will always be there for them no matter what.


• Resolve conflicts before they are blown out of proportion. If you have one child that tends to be the trouble maker, work with them on controlling their behaviors. Work with your other children to teach them how to cope with their siblings.


• Take turns with everything. Sharing is an essential part of keeping harmony in the home. Don't forget to say your "please" and "thank-you's", this goes along with sharing and it shows others that you are selfless. Give everyone a chance to plan the family activity for the week, this is a great way to share the responsibility and involve everyone.


• Hug each other. This goes along with saying "I Love You". Family members deserve to get a big bear hug at least once a day. Just try not to do it in front of people so they don't get embarrassed!