Family Feud – 5 Common Causes of Conflict and How to Avoid Them

We all wish that life could be perfect. We want to enjoy a happy home life, marriage, kids, and a fulfilling career. The human condition, unfortunately, means that this cannot always be the case. Conflicts arise, people go through periods of unhappiness, and life events can cause internal and external turmoil. However, when it comes to those most common causes of conflict, there are ways to both avoid and manage them:

1. Money

Money makes the world go around. Unfortunately, it can also be the cause of significant domestic strife. For anyone struggling with their finances, it might seem like there’s no way out. In many cases, that frustration leads to conflict. If money’s tight and unexpected bills are accumulating, could low-interest loans be the short-term answer? 

Believe it or not, even if you’re in the throes of hardship, a life ring is closer than you think. Talk to a reputable lender about affordable repayment terms and interest rates that could see you back on your feet in no time. 

2. Workplace Unhappiness

The happiness rate among professional Americans is reasonably good, but that’s not to say that everyone is happy at every stage of their career. Workplace unhappiness can be a significant cause of conflict, and it’s not uncommon for it to bleed into home life. 

If you wake up with a sense of dread about the day ahead, it might be time for a change. Freshen up your resume, brush up on a few outdated skills, and hit the job marketplace to investigate any better options out there. 

3. Relationships

Relationships with family members, partners, children, and friends can be trying and fraught with emotion at times. Disagreements can lead to awkward family dinners, and distant relatives might not speak for years because of what great aunt Edna said about cousin Mike five years ago. At best, relationships are fickle, and they can be the cause of many tears over a person’s lifetime. 

You won’t be able to solve every complicated familial relationship in your life, but you can improve them for your sanity. Sometimes, solving a relationship involves ending it. Other times, it’s about sitting down with a person and sharing your concerns, while also listening to theirs. Communication is vital for a resolution. 

4. The In-Laws

In-laws. The word can send shivers up your spine. Combining two families in marriage is never guaranteed to go smoothly. Overbearing mothers try to control unwilling sons-in-law, and you can bet there’s going to be an awkward conversation or two between both sets of parents.   

Some people are fortunate to have one big happy family, but that’s rarely the case. Once again, the key to avoiding conflict between parents and parents-in-law is to set clear boundaries, communicate your feelings, and, if it gets really bad, limit those family reunions until things cool down. 

5. Blended Families

One in three Americans has a blended family, which means they have or are a step-child. With double the set of family members, it’s near impossible to avoid conflict and disagreement all the time. How you manage blended family conflict can depend on your position. 

As a step-parent, communicating calmly with all parents as mature adults can set a precedent going forward. The goal is to make sure that any step-children in the family feel like they can count on everyone to provide them with a safe, stress-free home life. 

Conflict is something we face in everyday life. However, there are ways to minimize its impact on you and your family. Whether you’re struggling with finances or family, know that communication is essential for moving forward as one strong family unit.