The 5 key areas of conflict in relationships: Children

It is easy to get caught up in the demands of life to find we are living our lives narrowly focusing on work or home, and we forget or neglect ourselves and our marriage. Don't allow the daily grind to become the focus to the exclusion of your marriage.

Finances, Work (in and out of the house), Sex, In Laws and Children are the five big areas that dominate conflict in most relationships. Ensuring timely and open communication and pragmatic approaches to discussing issues that arise will ensure our relationship is sustained for the long-term.

The most important thing you can start doing is looking after yourself by focusing on these five areas. You don't have to get it right the first time. This is part of life's journey of learning and developing. You will get there if you are willing to invest the time and effort. Be proactive and do this for your relationship today.

This series of blog posts explores each of the five big areas for conflict in relationships, emphasising that by taking intentional steps to discuss and resolve these issues, they will have a lasting effect.

5. Children: Baring and raising children can have a significant impact on your relationship and in some cases completely dominate it. Having a shared understanding of the impact of children on us physically, socially and mentally is crucial for the long-term success of our relationship.

If much of the conflict that occurs in relationships arises out of conflicting expectations, uncover them and discuss a solution. Be aware of your partners personal goals and your goals as a couple and a family. Goals provide meaning and direction in life, and striving for goals provides a sense of purpose.

Define your family tree and discuss the various relationships. Work towards a shared understanding of how and when these interactions will take place.

Discuss family, those interactions and feelings regularly (weekly). Keep the lines of communication open and support your partner. Establish boundaries with other family members and ensure appropriate time with your partner is prioritised - and sticking to these shared rules is mandatory.

Work with your partner and ensure they are number one. Also, ensure one-on-one time is scheduled with each child.

Additionally, household tasks and the allocation of those is critical in the arduous role of a parent. Discuss and script an approach that works for your relationship. Remain open to change and decide an approach that is balanced for both you and your partner.

Through continued commitment and loyalty we can tackle the ups and downs of our relationship together.

Tune in next week for more tips and ideas related to the 5 key areas of conflict in relationships.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM.

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Written by Shane Smith