Family Fights
What's good about fighting?
It sounds crazy that fighting can be good, doesn't it?! Well, if you fight fair, then, sometimes a fight can clear the air and people can understand each other better and feel closer.
Fighting fair also teaches you to:
- stick up for yourself and what you are wanting
- know that you can disagree with someone and still be friends
- recognise angry feelings before they sneak up on you and have you do hurtful things
- solve problems
- learn how to remove yourself and keep safe when you feel scared
For some kids, fighting at home doesn't get sorted out, and sometimes it can get really scary when people hurt each other and/or say awful things. Even if fighting does get sorted out, kids can sometimes still feel worried about when it will start again. When this happens, this worry can sometimes spill over into other parts of your life. For example, some kids find that they are:
- having trouble concentrating at school
- having trouble sleeping
- getting into more trouble at school than they normally would
- fighting with their friends a lot more than usual
- feeling sad a lot
If those sorts of things are happening for you, or if you would just like to talk some more about family fights, you can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use our web or email counselling services. We will listen to you and help you work out what might help.
Published: 1 April 2010