Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

There have been many parenting style variations since the early 1960’s in the United States and around the world. Cultures have also contributed to the parenting diversity. In spite of all of these differences, the types of problems parents encounter are not really that diverse. Certainly, economics and environmental factors are influential, however, it is suggested that a parent’s view of the meaning of who they are as a parent greatly influences their parental interaction with their child(ren). Adding to the challenges of being a parent are divorce and family separation. Any conflict that surfaces as families experience this transition not only places undue stress on children, but also interferes with the parent relationship with their child(dren) as well as their co-parent. Sometimes, it also means the addition of significant others who will play a parenting role. This session will explore some of the components which contribute to the difficulties in divorced relationships and provide concrete solutions which not only address the family but also offer insight into how parents can navigate their parenting relationship to produce a more positive outcome. Clearly, every family is different, however, they share some common dysfunctional responses during high conflict.