Deputy Principal, Wellbeing 

Managing family conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown can be incredibly challenging.  I have had many conversations with parents over the past fortnight about the increasing difficulty with trying to keep young people motivated, trying to encourage them to be active, social concerns around connecting with friends and increasing feelings of despondency. I have noticed my own energy levels waning and feeling as though it is ‘Groundhog Day’ every day! 

The following two resources are helpful in providing practical ways for families to defuse family tension and conflict, this could be between parents and kids, or between siblings. Some tips and topics in the resources to help responding to family conflict include:

• Taking a ‘you and me vs the problem’ approach to tackle problems side by side
• Noticing your own reactions to what you are experiencing 
• Repairing relationships after harmful comments or behaviours
• Being prepared to negotiate and hear everyone’s perspective and concerns

https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/covid-19/covid-19-and-family-conflict

https://www.eheadspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/20200416-COVID19-Family-Conflict-Factsheet-hN.pdf

Kate Couchman

School Counsellor

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