Reducing parental conflict over the festive period

We understand that Christmas can be a stressful time for many families and that sometimes arguments become more heated, more frequent and certainly, more damaging. Damaging to the individuals, to their families and especially to  children.

Conflicts and arguments between parents and partners are a normal part of everyday life and can usually be resolved quickly and calmly.

Blackburn with Darwen Family Hubs are offering support for parents who may be facing difficulties in their relationships – whether they’re still together or co-parenting. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the increase of conflict in families before, during and after the festive period and the local support available.

The Healthy Relationship groups were launched in 2019 and were previously only available online. The face to face programme now runs for 5 weeks for parents in a relationship and 3 weeks for separated parents. If parents want to access the support in person they can do so by contacting their local Family Hub.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said:

We understand that the festive period is a critical time for families where conflicts of different natures can arise. We want to remind residents about the Healthy Relationship groups and that although they were previously only available online, help can now be accessed via your local Family Hub.

The programme aims to offer support by encouraging parents to communicate better and understand how unresolved conflicts impacts on their children.

The Healthy Relationships Matters animation also shares some really helpful top tips and advice around managing parental conflict: Healthy Relationships YouTube

If you require support your local Family Hubs are: Little Harwood, Shadsworth, Darwen and Livesey or call: 01254 585 000