4 CAUSES OF FAMILY CONFLICT

BY K. LEE BANKS
Family harmony provides a sense of belonging and a
feeling of security unlike many other types of
relationships.
When conflict arises, it threatens that security.
Disharmony may initiate from within the family unit or
from external sources.
When there is disharmony, individual family members
and the family as a whole can experience a range of
negative emotions and consequences.
Unresolved conflict may irreparably damage a
marriage and the entire family, if family members do
not seek help.
CAUSES OF FAMILY CONFLICT
 FINANCES
Happens when the family lacks enough money to pay
bills, maintain the mortgage or rent, buy sufficient
food and other necessities, but has any remaining
money for recreation, job or career
 If a parent’s job keeps him/her away from home most
of the time, the spouse at home with the children often
feels neglected or overwhelmed.
 If a parent becomes unemployed, this causes its own
form of stress or conflict, as finances dwindle and
uncertainty sets in about the future.
 RIVALRY BETWEEN SIBLINGS
When a child seeks his/her parents’ attention and
approval, it may require tattling on or sometimes
cause harm to a sibling.
Jealousy, competition, and teasing between and
among siblings may lead to conflict.
Each child deserves an equal amount of parental
love and acceptance, yet sometimes a parent
may favor one child over another. This situation
merely intensifies the conflict.
 LACK OF CONSENSUS ON CHILD DISCIPLINE

If one parent acts as the

“disciplinarian,” the other parent
typically becomes the “consoler” to
whom the children turn.
As a result, this often pits one parent
against the other.
 POOR RELATIONSHIP
WITH EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS
When a parent becomes involved in
disagreements with the in-laws or extended
family, it is no laughing matter.
While it is preferable to respect your elders and-
parents and grandparents on both sides equally,
this can prove to be challenging.
If relatives routinely interfere in your family’s
decisions and lifestyle, conflict frequently result.
 REFERENCE

 Celebrating Diversity through World Literature (English 10 Learner’s Material)

 ACTIVITY
TIPS TO AVOID CONFLICTS (3 GROUPS)
Formulate 10 tips/advice on how to avoid conflicts.
 Conflict at home
 Conflict in school
 Conflict in the community

Write your answers in a ¼ cartolina. Make your output

visually creative and appealing.