Family relationships

Information about navigating challenges in your relationship and reducing the impact of parental conflict on children

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Looking at your relationship

If you are starting to consider if your relationship is healthy, ask yourself:

  • do you sometimes argue/have conflict? 
  • do you have these moments of parental conflict when the children are present? 
  • is there an unspoken reason as to why you are experiencing this conflict? 
  • is there a better way to manage arguments when you do have them, especially around your children? 

Consider completing our Healthy Relationships Questionnaire (PDF, 213.63 KB). This can help you to consider your relationship with your partner and the strengths and challenges you may face.

Resources to help you reflect on your relationship

Visit Click Relationships for more advice and information on relationship issues that can be difficult to discuss.  Some common topics include:

Visit See it Differently for video scenarios demonstrating different family conflicts and how these:

  • impact children 
  • could be resolved more constructively

Is it more than arguments and conflict?

We all have disagreements, whether with your family, partner, or ex-partner. Often, we can work through those disagreements and sometimes may need a bit of advice or support. 

It’s important to ask yourself how those disagreements and overall relationships make you feel. Especially if the emotions you feel are not positive such as:

  • sadness
  • fear
  • loneliness
  • feeling trapped
  • unloved or loved too much

The list of feelings can be endless and depends on your experience.

Unhealthy or abusive relationships

Sometimes a relationship can become unhealthy or abusive and we don’t realise or we don’t know who to speak to or where to find help. This includes relationships with a:

  • current partner
  • ex-partner
  • family member

It is important to pay attention to your own emotions and how the other person makes you feel.

If you are concerned about your relationship and whether it is healthy or abusive, there is confidential support available to help you. 

The national Women’s Aid Organisation have some questions and guidance that can help you understand your relationship better. You may then be able to better decide if you need help. 

The national ManKind Initiative is also available to support.

Visit the COMPASS website to speak to someone in Essex or phone them on 0330 333 7 444.