Addressing parental conflict and the quality of interparental relationships is a critical component of improving child outcomes. Just targeting the parent–child relationship in the context of ongoing parental conflict, for example through parenting interventions, is unlikely to be effective or improve outcomes for children. Anyone working with children, young people and families can, however, play an important role in reducing the impact of parental conflict on children.
Reducing parental conflict: why it matters to children and why it matters to services
Watch this short animation on why early intervention to reduce parental conflict needs to be at the heart of local services, and how we can help shape these services in your area.
Sector briefing: Why reducing the impact of parental conflict matters for schools
Find out what this agenda means for anyone working in schools, including teachers and teaching assistants, headteachers, school leaders and governors, as well as staff in welfare and specialist roles.
Sector briefing: Why reducing parental conflict matters for the NHS
Find out what this agenda means for staff working in the NHS, including primary care teams, midwifery, health visitors and mental health practitioners, and how all health practitioners can have an impact.
Sector briefing: Why reducing parental conflict matters for local government
Find out what this agenda means for staff in local government, including early help, Troubled Families support, social care and commissioned family services.
Improving Lives: Helping Workless Families
Learn about the government's proposals to address parental conflict when supporting workless families with multiple disadvantages, building on initiatives such as the Local Family Offer.
Other resources
What do couple relationships have to do with public health? (Tavistock Relationships)
Couple relationships and work; work and couple relationships (Relationships Alliance)
Statutory guidance: Relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education (Department for Education)
Relationships and sex education (RSE) resources for schools (NSPCC)
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