Gary D. Mikolinski
Many conflicts occur naturally as family members get older. Adolescents want the freedom to make their own choices without parental interference.
Six steps which may be helpful in resolving a conflict are: 1) change the needs of one or more of the conflicting parties; 2) find an alternative solution agreed on by both sides; 3) empathize with another’s need; 4) change environmental factors which may be causing conflict; 5) explain your needs verbally to the other party (E.G. I am tired, and I would like to go to sleep); 6) identify your own emotional state (E.G. I am grouchy because I am tired, not because of the actions of my son or daughter).
