Communication Matters

Parent-child communication changes drastically over time and so too does the conflict.

With toddlers, parents may use more bargaining: “I will give you two cookies if you eat just one piece of broccoli.”

In adolescence, parent-child communication may include more demand-withdrawl, where a parent can use their power to withhold resources such as the car or an allowance.

Growing up, I was convinced my older sister was the favorite child, and so my communication with her at times became argumentative, or even hostile.

Family systems theorists warn of the spillover effect, where parent-child conflict can spill over into other relationships.

The majority of us in the US are part of a restructured family, and scholars note that although a prevalent structure, there are unique challenges to the most common restructured family: a step family.

Internally, boundaries are often unclear – can you share sensitive information with blood and stepsiblings? Can your stepfather discipline you? Do you keep old rituals, or change them after remarriage?

It’s true that those closest to us have the most potential to hurt us. If a stranger calls us dumb, it might hurt for the moment, but if our mother says it, the sting lasts longer.

Forgiveness after a hurtful event is essential to maintaining satisfying relationships, especially within the family.

Explicit forgiveness is most helpful. If a parent lied to you, saying you forgive them may be needed in order to continue your relationship.

Past research has documented the conflict common to parents and children, siblings, and even stepfamilies. Thankfully, research has now also answered not only how to survive, but thrive as a family in the aftermath of conflict.

First, parents should teach children constructive conflict management by encouraging them to engage in perspective taking and empathy. Ask children, “how do you think that makes him or her feel,” when they encounter conflict.

I'm Dr. Bailey Oliver with the UA Little Rock Department of Applied Communication and KUAR for Communication Matters.

When I ask students to create a story about a family, I’ve noticed a majority are about a man, a woman, and their biological children. But the majority of us in the US are likely part of a restructured family that includes both biological and non-biological ties. So why do we tend to talk about families this way?