Parental relationships

All relationships go through ups and downs. It is normal to disagree sometimes. Parenting is hard work and can be a lot of pressure for everyone involved.

Learning how to share how you feel, and listen to how others feel, even when you disagree, is a good skill. If children get to see this it can show them how relationships can work even in harder times.

Looking after your relationship is important for your own wellbeing and for your children. Some of the common problems in parental relationships are a lack of time and tiredness. This leads to mix-ups and poor communication. Giving some attention to these things can improve your relationship whatever other stresses you may have. You, your partner and your children all benefit when you look after your relationship.

Reducing parental conflict

Parental conflict can range from swearing and shouting between parents, to children feeling like they are walking on egg shells when the conflict is more silent. This is known to have a negative impact on the life chances and well-being of children and young people, particularly when conflict happens a lot, and is left unresolved.

In Worcestershire, there is an initiative called Harmony at Home, which aims to reduce parental conflict. 

Harmony at Home understands all relationships can experience challenges, difficulties and breakdown, especially with the pressures of being a parent. The Harmony at Home website has been specifically developed to support families with advice, tips and information for parents and carers who may be together, separating, divorced or co-parenting.

Domestic abuse

Domestic Abuse is often defined as "an incident or incidents of controlling, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour between people in a relationship."
Domestic abuse can happen in any relationship and is not only physical violence. It can include emotional, physical, sexual, psychological (how someone thinks and feels), or financial abuse. 
Something called coercive controlling behaviour is also part of domestic abuse. This involves your partner controlling everything that you do, everyday. Some people do not even know they are being controlled in this way. 
Even babies, children and young people can often pick up on these behaviours. Leaving them feeling scared, lonely, and confused even if they don’t show it, and this can affect their health and development.
If you think you may be experiencing domestic abuse, you can gain support from the following:

Advice to parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm

The Government has released new guidance on keeping children safe from abuse and harm  which covers exploitation, domestic abuse, radicalisation and online safety. 

Immediate concerns about the wellbeing of a child

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person within Worcestershire you can refer them to Family Front Door by calling 01905 822 666.  

You can also call the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline for support and advice if you have a concern for your own or another child’s safety on 0808 800 5000.

If you feel that a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. You can also report concerns to the police on their non-emergency number, 101.

You can also contact the relevant social care team at your local council to report a concern about a child or adult .

Children and young people who have been victims of a crime may need support to cope and recover. You don’t have to report the crime to the police to get support. You can find free, local support teams across England and Wales on the Victim and Witness Information site .

 

Immediate concerns about the wellbeing of a adult

If you are concerned that an adult is been abused or at risk of abuse, then you can contact report the concern by calling 01905 768 053 alternatively you can also call the Safeguarding Early Response team for advice on 01905 843 189 from 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

In an emergency, if think someone is in immediate danger and / or requires urgent medical attention phone 999.

 

Other resources