Unit 1 You and Others 40
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Discussing family issues gives
members a chance to express their views.
Talking about feelings helps increase
understanding and trust. Sometimes,
families may discuss serious issues, such as
money challenges. Other times, they may
talk about simple issues, such as which
movie to see. Many families fi nd that if all
family members share a challenge, they can
more easily reach a solution.
Reading
Review
1. When family members have _____,
their family is not divided.
2. How can sharing feelings help when
dealing with challenges?
3. How can family councils help solve
family challenges?
Confl ict Resolution
Sometimes, a challenge cannot be easily solved. It may turn into a
confl ict. A
confl ict
is a disagreement between two or more people.
Confl icts often occur with family members and friends. This is partly
because you spend so much time together. When confl icts are not resolved,
relationships can be damaged by hurt feelings.
Confl ict resolution
is the
process of fi nding a solution to a disagreement.
First, make sure you fi nd the right time to settle a disagreement.
Choose a time when other people are not around. Allow suffi cient time for
everyone to talk, listen, and explore solutions.
Use good communication skills to help resolve confl icts. Express your
feelings clearly. Be polite and avoid yelling or arguing. Attack the challenge,
not the person. For example, you may say, “I feel frustrated when my ideas
are not considered.” This is more effective than saying, “You never pay
attention to my ideas.”
When you experience confl ict, you may feel angry—so angry that you
may refuse to hear other points of view. If you feel this way, it is important
to pause and cool down. You may need to excuse yourself from a situation.
Using these steps is called controlling your anger, or anger management.
Anger management is one key to healthy communication.
Good communication also involves talking with other people, not to
them. Be an active listener. This helps you understand others’ points of view.
Family members need to share ideas, opinions, and feelings. This helps them
fi nd solutions to their challenges.
Family members should be given a chance
to express themselves.
1-19
Tomasz Trojanowski/Shutterstock.com