Healthy Conflict = Healthy Kids. Here’s Why.

Happy Thursday! You made it!

If you parent closely with another adult– co-parent, partner, or grandparent– it’s basically guaranteed that you’ll disagree on things, big and small. That’s not a problem — that’s life! A lot of parents try to keep those disagreements behind closed doors, thinking it might upset the kids or set a bad example. But honestly? I think the opposite is true. When kids never see healthy conflict, they start to believe that real relationships are conflict-free and that any bump in the road must mean the whole thing is falling apart. Or worse, that the only way to handle conflict is to argue until someone gives in.

Instead, let’s let our kids see what respectful disagreements actually look like. Let them hear adults say “I don’t agree with you,” without it turning into an epic battle. The goal isn’t to avoid every fight — it’s to “fight right.” Keep the relationship at the center, and when we mess it up (because we will), show them what it looks like to own it and make it right. That’s the good stuff. That’s what sticks.

📚Resource of the Week: 

Fight Right by Julie & John Gottman is a great read on how to argue in a way that brings you closer, not further apart. It’s all about fighting for your relationship.  

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You’ve got this.

Cari

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