graphic with illustrations of different type of people including a man with a pram, a pregnant woman, a family with two parents and a daughter, a family with mother holding a baby and a child in school uniform , a man in a wheelchair, a group of young people sat on the bench with a dog and a climbing frame. Text reads: Nottinghamshire Family Hub Network, helping families get the right support at the right time.

Relationships and communication

Conflict and miscommunication are a normal part of family life, but when arguments between parents or carers become frequent, intense, and unresolved, they can have a serious negative impact on children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and future chances.

We understand that family can be stressful and that at certain times conflict can increase - during pregnancy, when you have a new baby, loss of a loved one, or if you have financial difficulties.

Damaging conflict can take many forms, such as:

  • ongoing arguments that never get resolved
  • silent treatment or emotional withdrawal
  • a lack of respect
  • unresolved issues that continue to affect family dynamics.

This kind of conflict can affect children in any type of family relationship, including:

  • parents who are together, whether married or not
  • separated or divorced parents
  • biological parents and stepparents
  • extended family members who take on a parenting role – sometimes known as kinship carers
  • foster and adoptive parents and carers.

Our trained staff are here to listen and support you in finding ways to reduce conflict and improve communication, helping create a healthier environment for your family.

You can find more information on advice and tips on how to reduce conflict and build positive relationships on Notts Help Yourself.

If you are being physically or emotionally hurt this is domestic abuse. For domestic abuse support services: ·

  • 24hr Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 0340
  • emergency Contact Numbers: 999
  • if you're in immediate danger, please call the Police on 999 
  • the Silent Solution: In an emergency situation where you cannot speak, call 999, wait for the operator to speak and dial 55. This will alert the operator to your situation. 
  • for non-emergency calls to the Police, please use 101.

If you need support with family relationships please visit, call or email your local Family Hub: Find your nearest family hub team or complete our request for service form. You can also email our Reducing Parental Conflict team.

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