Family Roles
The role where one family member takes the blame for the family's issues.
What is the scapegoat
This method of conflict resolution focuses on finding a solution that benefits both parties rather than one "winning" over the other.
A family in which roles and expectations are unclear or inconsistent. The parents may be putting their needs before the children's
What is a dysfunctional family
A spouse feels unheard during discussions. How can this be improved?
What is practicing active listening and validating their feelings?
What is selective listening?
This communication roadblock occurs when someone only listens to respond, not understand.
Family dynamics are always fixed and unchangeable.
False – Family dynamics can evolve over time based on relationships, roles, and external influences.
The quiet, withdrawn member who avoids conflict and tends to be overlooked, often escaping through hobbies or solitude.
The Lost Child
This conflict resolution strategy involves working together to find a solution that fully satisfies both parties.
What is collaboration
A family that includes parents, children, and extended relatives living together.
What is an extended family?
A family member is avoiding difficult conversations. What is a way to encourage dialogue?
What is using open-ended questions and a non-confrontational approach?
A barrier to communication where assumptions are made before hearing all the facts.
What is jumping to conclusions?
In conflict resolution, it’s important to focus only on winning the argument to resolve the issue.
False – The goal of conflict resolution is to find a solution that benefits both parties, not to win.
This person uses humor to diffuse tension, lighten the mood, or distract from serious issues within the family.
The mascot or clown
A conflict can escalate when people use these types of accusatory statements.
What are you statements
This term describes a household where one parent raises children alone.
What is a single-parent family?
A child struggles with expressing emotions constructively. How can you help?
What is teaching them emotion regulation techniques?
What is paraphrasing?
The act of repeating back what someone says in your own words to show understanding.
Communication in families can be impacted by unspoken rules and expectations.
True – Unspoken rules and norms often influence how family members communicate and interact.
This role often shields family members from consequences, trying to maintain harmony even if it means ignoring problems or unhealthy behaviors.
The Enabler or Peacemaker
The ability to regulate your emotions during a disagreement and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
What is emotional self control or self regulation
What are family norms?
The set of unwritten expectations that influence how family members interact.
A grandparent feels excluded from family events. How can you include them?
What is setting up regular family time and seeking their input?
What is passive communication?
The tendency to avoid conflict by not expressing one's feelings.
Nonverbal communication is not as important as verbal communication in resolving family conflicts.
False – Nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, tone) is critical in understanding emotions and resolving conflicts.
Often the responsible, high-achieving member who strives for success to bring pride to the family and distract from underlying problems.
Hero or goldenchild
This approach to conflict resolution is to ignore the problem, which can sometimes lead to unresolved issues.
What is avoidance
What is a blended family?
A family unit with step-parents and step-siblings.
A sibling feels overshadowed by another’s success. How can you support them?
What is acknowledging their achievements and encouraging their strengths?
Why is active listening important?
Ensures that the speaker feels heard and respected, helps avoid conflict and increases understanding
Assertive communication means expressing your feelings while being respectful and clear.
True – Assertive communication involves expressing thoughts and feelings directly, respectfully, and confidently.
What is one way to shift from the unhealthy role of the enabler?
1) Set boundaries
2) Shift from rescuing to supporting
What are some ways to resolve a conflict between people?
1) Active listening
2) Identify the core issue
3) Compromise and Collaboration
How can create healthy family dynamics?
1) open and honest communication
2) Clear Boundaries
3) Respect and Support
4) Quality Time
A teenager stays out past curfew regularly. How can parents handle it effectively?
What is setting clear consequences and explaining reasons for the curfew
What are 2 examples of non verbal communication
Body Language such as crossing arms, eye rolling, smiling etc.
Avoiding conflict altogether is the healthiest way to handle disagreements in family dynamics.
False – Avoiding conflict can lead to unresolved issues; healthy conflict resolution involves addressing problems constructively.