How to Deal with Fighting Parents

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All parents fight sometimes, but if yours are fighting all the time, it can cause a great deal of stress. Find effective ways to deal with it.

Step 1: Leave the room when they are fighting
Leave the room when your parents are fighting, even if they're fighting on the phone. This will give you some needed distance and help you realize it is between them, not you.

Step 2: Get the fight out of your mind
Get the fight out of your mind as quickly as possible by focusing on the fact that it's about them – not you.

Step 3: Do something fun and exercise
Keep your spirits up with hobbies like gardening or reading. Take a long walk, or go running, biking, or swimming. Physical activity help release stress.

Tip
Talking about it helps, too; tell a trusted friend, school counselor, or another family member what is going on.

Step 4: Arrange for a family meeting
Arrange to have a family meeting or discussion about it after things calm down. It might be in a few hours or a few days; whatever works for all involved.

Step 5: Have a discussion with them that focuses on you
Tell them how their fighting makes you feel, using "I feel" statements. Tell them what you would like them to change, using "I need" statements.

Did You Know?
Did you know? Research confirms that family violence interferes with child development, causing higher risk for problems in adulthood.