Many parents feel that they can shield their children from family conflict. However, they are often wrong. Children can absorb their parents' stress as they have sensitive conflict radar detectors and keen observers. If you are a parent who wants to know how to protect kids when stress leads to family conflict, then read on. Here we have mentioned some tips that might help you.
Consider
a Parenting Plan
If there is
a conflict between parents of a child or children, they need to develop a
parenting plan. In simple words, a parenting plan will define how parents will
share time with their children. It is especially essential when things are not
good between couples and parents are separated or divorced.
Many things
need to be considered while developing a parenting plan. It includes but is not
limited to the age of the children, their development needs, and their
expectations from a parent.
Parents
should develop a parenting plan to avoid having a judge involved. If parents
cannot agree to a parenting plan, a judge might have to decide how things will
work, and it might not be the best route for parents or the children.
A parenting
plan should have a stable and predictable schedule that allows security for
your children. The schedule should be flexible enough so that the parents and
children can adjust it according to their needs and the situation.
Show Love
to Your Children
If there is
a lot of family conflict, your children might feel unwanted or unloved. To help
avoid that situation, you should demonstrate and show affection for your
children as much as possible. Here are a few simple ways to do that.
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Spend Quality Time
Spend time
with your children so that they feel you care for them, and you want to know
what's going on there in their lives. Spend quality time with your children to
do things that you both might like baking cookies, reading bedtime
stories, playing in the yard, etc.
Ø
Pay Attention
Focus on
the little things in your children's lives. When you show that you pay
attention to what your child is up to, they will feel that you care for them
and prioritize them. Every once in a while, set your work aside and give your
full attention to your children.
Ø
Ask their Opinion
When
discussing family matters like where to plan a next family holiday or how to
plant a garden, you should ask your children's opinion so that they feel that
their opinion is being valued and know that their opinion matters to you.
Ø
Listen to Them
Parents
often get too busy with their lives to listen to what's happening in their
children's life. You should not repeat that mistake. Take the time to ask your
children how their day was and what they did during the day when they narrate
their stories, listen to them attentively, and respond enthusiastically.
Ø
Show Interest in Their Interests
Focus on
what they love and /or show passion towards. Whether your child likes singing
or dancing or even a sport, you need to be involved in their lives and care for
their progress. When you show any interest in things your children love, it
will make them feel pleased and loved. It will also offer a sense of belonging
and make them feel significant.
Ø
Control Your Anger
No matter
how angry you feel, you should never demonstrate your anger in front of your
kids. It is always wise to move away from your kids when you are too angry and
not shout or yell at them. Take a walk, drink a glass of water, and calm your
mind before speaking to your children. Computer anger
management therapy if you think things are going out of hand. Good luck.
Sources:
https://www.newschainonline.com/lifestyle/life/neighbours-comes-to-an-end-7-life-lessons-from-the-australian-soap-256995?amp
https://www.baabeetv.com/blog/everyday-practices-to-keep-your-kids-loved
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/better-divorce/202102/essential-tool-protect-kids-conflict-in-divorce