LB Newham - Reducing Parental Conflict
Background
As part of the LB Newham Family Hubs workforce development programme, a 1-day virtual training session on Reducing Parental Conflict and Promoting Healthy Relationships was delivered to multi-agency staff. Attendees included professionals from social care, early help, health, education and community organisations working directly with families.
This training was commissioned to strengthen the local response to parental conflict within families. The training aligns with national priorities to improve child wellbeing by equipping professionals to differentiate between parental conflict and domestic abuse and to promote positive family dynamics.
Aims of the Training Programme
The training aimed to:
- Clarify the definition and dynamics of parental conflict and its impact on children and families.
- Distinguish clearly between parental conflict and domestic abuse, including identifying key indicators.
- Explore interactive case studies focusing on unresolved parental conflict and its effects.
- Introduce practical tools, strategies, and approaches to support parents in managing conflict and fostering healthy relationships.
Overview of Training Content
- Understanding Parental Conflict: definitions, common patterns and impact on children’s emotional wellbeing.
- Distinguishing Parental Conflict from Domestic Abuse: clear indicators, safety considerations and appropriate responses.
- Interactive Case Studies: realistic scenarios to explore unresolved conflict dynamics and professional responses.
- Tools and Strategies for Support: communication techniques, conflict resolution, emotional regulation and referral pathways.
- Promoting Healthy Relationships: best practice in engaging parents, supporting positive change and safeguarding children.
Impact on Practice
Improved Clarity in Understanding and Differentiation
Participants reported enhanced confidence in distinguishing between parental conflict and domestic abuse, ensuring safer and more accurate responses.
“I now better understand the difference between parental conflict and abuse, which helps me respond appropriately.”
Greater Awareness of the Impact of Parental Conflict on Children
Staff recognised how unresolved conflict affects child wellbeing and development, increasing their motivation to support families effectively.
“The training made me more aware of how parental conflict can deeply impact children’s emotional health.”
Increased Confidence Using Practical Tools and Strategies
Staff valued the interactive case studies and reported feeling better equipped to use communication and conflict resolution techniques with parents.
“The scenarios helped me practice how to support parents in managing conflict and improving relationships.”
Enhanced Multi-Agency Collaboration and Safeguarding Practice
Participants expressed commitment to applying learning within their teams and collaborating across agencies to promote family wellbeing and safety.
“I will share these tools with my team and use them when working with families at risk.”
Staff Reflections and Key Learning
Participants shared valuable insights on how the training enhanced their confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to support families experiencing parental conflict. Common themes included:
- Application of Practical Tools and Strategies
“Use the tools provided within the training.”
“I will keep in mind different strategies that were discussed.”
“Implement tools learned in supporting parents view the conflict/abuse through the child's perspective.”
- Increased Confidence and Deeper Understanding
“I will be more confident in dealing with families now and will be looking for the deeper side of conflict.”
“I will definitely feel more confident with supporting families where parental conflict is an issue.”
- Recognition of Underlying Stressors and Impact on Children
“Identifying underlying stressors in relationships between parents.”
“Looking for signs of parental conflict and highlighting the impact it can have on children.”
“I will focus on the impact on the children and will use that as a starting point in supporting parents to recognise conflict as necessary.”
- Improved Communication and Support Approaches
“I now have more knowledge and new skills to support parents, especially in how to approach and communicate with them to help them reflect on how their conflict impacts the children and how they can make healthy changes.”
“I will speak to parents about support services that they can access to help with conflict.”
“I will do sessions on conflict resolution with the parents I work with where necessary.”
“I will do better observations and feedback with parents to support them.”
Outcomes
- Improved knowledge and confidence distinguishing parental conflict from domestic abuse.
- Greater understanding of the emotional and developmental impact of parental conflict on children.
- Practical skills gained in supporting parents to manage conflict constructively.
- Stronger multi-agency collaboration focused on healthy family relationships.
- Increased use of safeguarding-informed approaches tailored to family dynamics.
Conclusion
The 1-day virtual Reducing Parental Conflict – Healthy Relationships training delivered for LB Newham Family Hubs has strengthened multi-agency staff knowledge, skills and confidence. By combining clear definitions, interactive learning and practical strategies, the programme equips professionals to support parents in managing conflict safely and effectively. This promotes healthier relationships and better outcomes for children and families across Newham.