Effective Strategies for Reducing Inter-Parental Conflict Impact on Children and Teens
Actions to decrease inter-parental conflict have long-term benefits for children and teens. Family separation can be challenging, but minimizing conflict levels is crucial for positive outcomes like improved mental health, behavior, and relationships. Professor Gordon Harold's insights from the University of Cambridge highlight the importance of addressing conflict to prevent adverse effects on children, such as anxiety, depression, academic struggles, and behavioral issues. By promoting ways to mitigate conflict, we can support better long-term well-being for children and contribute to a healthier society overall.
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Welcome to the Language Matters Online Event Legal Directory Quotes "Manages to terrify the other side in court" Peers view her as a dangerous opponent and clients admire her tenacious and forceful approach" Will take the gloves off and fight where necessary "She always goes in hard for her client. If you re against her you know it s fists up and a fight You need shin pads and earmuffs to deal with her, but there s no denying she is effective When you need someone to fight your corner she is unparalleled A robust tactician and advocate she is a good fighter who clients quickly warm to Will fight tooth and nail Sponsors:
Inter-Parental Conflict and Family Separation Prof Gordon Harold (University of Cambridge) Actions designed to reduce the level of inter-parental conflict are associated with positive long-term outcomes Family separation is always a stressful experience for children and teens in the short term. But what drives the long term impact on them is the level of conflict they witness before, during and following parental separation. It s normal for it to take about 2 years for children and teens to adjust to a family separation. The higher the levels of conflict, however, the harder it is to adjust and the longer the ripple effects continue for poor outcomes (e.g. mental health). High levels of conflict between parents are shown to have many poor outcomes for children. These include anxiety and depression, academic failure, substance abuse, conduct problems, criminality, peer problems and adversely affected brain development. Patterns of conflict can even be passed on to the next generation. These outcomes stretch on into adulthood. Acrimonious parental conflict is a common childhood factor in adults who experience mental ill health, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, homelessness, criminality. By contrast, actions designed to reduce the level of inter-parental conflict are associated with positive long-term outcomes. There are clear improvements in mental health, behaviour, school outcomes and long-term relationships. These positive outcomes have benefits not just for the individuals but for the whole of society. They produce widespread cost savings, ranging from the education system to the health and social care system, the civil and criminal justice system and they also produce positive future employment outcomes.
Inter-Parental Conflict and Family Separation Prof Gordon Harold (University of Cambridge) High levels of conflict between parents are shown to have many poor outcomes for children. These include anxiety and depression, academic failure, substance abuse, conduct problems, criminality, peer problems and adversely affected brain development. Patterns of conflict can even be passed on to the next generation. By contrast, actions designed to reduce the level of inter-parental conflict are associated with positive long-term outcomes. There are clear improvements in mental health, behaviour, school outcomes and long-term relationships.
Legal Directory Quotes Peers view her as a dangerous opponent and clients admire her tenacious and forceful approach" You need shin pads and earmuffs to deal with her, but there s no denying she is effective She always goes in hard for her client. If you re against her you know it s fists up and a fight "Will take the gloves off and fight when necessary" Will fight tooth and nail "Manages to terrify the other side in court" A robust tactician and advocate she is a good fighter who clients quickly warm to When you need someone to fight your corner she is unparalleled
Language Matters The words we use shape our mindsets Which in turn affects how we think Which in turn affects how we behave
Our language should aim to promote mindsets Which are: Away from adversity and battles, towards wellbeing Away from fear, towards safety Away from parental rights, towards thriving childhoods following separation Away from retrospective blaming, towards future-focussed solutions
Our language should aim to promote mindsets Which enable the children of separating parents: To enjoy close and nurturing relationships with both parents, wherever safe to do so To have a childhood which is not dominated by conflict between parents To be consulted when decisions are made which affect them To thrive in childhood, with parents who live apart
Appropriate Language is needed At every stage of a family separation: At the school gate With family and friends In the media On government websites With support services And through any legal process
How? A brainstorm of thoughts from Magistrates Child Consultants Barristers Domestic Abuse Specialist Therapists Child Contact Centres Parenting Specialists Solicitors Cafcass Cymru Mediators Children s Services Separated Parents FJYPB Mind your Language
Themes from FJYPB Mind your language I am not a case or a number, I am a person and this is my family I would like to be referred to by my name These proceedings are about my life Please don t use acronyms of legal terms as I don t understand what they mean
Principles for change: the 5 Ps Plain English use language which families understand Personal Names use names which focus on family members rather than legal labels Proportionate - language should be proportionate to the issues in question Problem Solving - encourage problem-solving rather than battle mindsets Positive Futures - language should point forwards, rather than backwards
Some specific mentions Battle language eg Kramer vs Kramer, the other side, my opponent, fighting for my rights, custody battle Custody Contact Position and Position Statements Dispute
Glossaries The language of Court in written form: on forms, statements, orders The language of Court which is spoken, by judges, counsel, court-appointed experts, Cafcass etc The language used by solicitors The language used by families, children and the wider public
Thoughts for change Political Responsibility Public Education Guidance, FPR, Court Forms and Case Headings Training judges, magistrates, family practitioners Legal Directories to change the perception of what a good family practitioner looks like Case-reporting (anonymised) significant settlements
Why gov.uk language matters 73% of people start a divorce on gov.uk More people than ever rely on the language of gov.uk Clearer wording on the divorce portal Links to Financial Remedy & Children signposting unclear People are confused
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