Family Mediation
Disputes between a parent and a child*
Each parent and each child in a family is unique and forms part of the whole family unit. It is not surprising that from time to time there are frictions and misunderstandings between family members. In some cases a particular parent child relationship seems to promote disagreements and arguments, perhaps because there are aspects of each other’s personality and behaviour that constantly rub each other the wrong way. Often the issues with the relationship are highlighted and in some cases exacerbated because the child and parent may be experiencing a harmonious relationship with the other parent or child. Tensions from one apparently dysfunctional relationship can spill over and have a negative impact on the whole family unit.
Resolving the tensions and developing a better understanding between the parent and the child can be tricky. The other parent may appear inpatient about their spouse’s inability to “get on” with the child and other siblings may try to use the problem to “stir” things up and show what a well behaved child they are!
The approach to solving the situation will depend on the age of the child, the identified issues of conflict, and the makeup of the family unit. A family meeting may be all that is required to resolve the issues. However, if this does not seem to work then mediation can be another way, but of course that will require all parties to voluntary agree to use the mediation process.
If it is impossible for all parties to agree to mediate then an option is for an individual to use family coaching to help them review the situation and formulate a plan of action to deal with the identified issues from their perspective.
*Child in this context is presumed to be any age from toddler to 18years old
