Reducing conflict and improving communication

What parental conflict means

It is normal for couples to disagree. Most arguments are resolved quickly and calmly. But when they happen often, feel intense or do not get resolved, they can affect your wellbeing and your children's wellbeing too.

Parental conflict includes arguments that are:

• happening often
• creating a tense or uncomfortable atmosphere
• not dealt with and leading to further conflict

These types of arguments can be upsetting and harmful for both parents and children.

Free support is available to help you improve communication and reduce conflict, visit the support for parents and families page to find out more.

Watch the short video below which explains what parental conflict is and how support can help families to communicate better and reduce stress.

Arguments and relationships

Arguments in relationships can happen more often when other pressures build up in your life.

These might include:

• money worries
• parenting challenges
• mental health difficulties
• having a new baby
• alcohol use
• drug use
• social media pressures

Dealing with arguments

When arguments happen, try to:

• stay calm
• take a short break and return to the conversation once you have had time to calm down and refocus
• focus on the main issue
• remember how the arguments might affect your children

Separated parents

Co-parenting with an ex-partner can be difficult. If you are struggling to communicate, support is available to help you focus on your child and improve how you talk to each other, our support for parents and families page provides information on different types of support for parents.

#SeeItDifferently - Chloe's family is a real life example of how others have worked through conflict, see the video below.

Last updated 17 November 2025