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Most parents hate to experience conflict, are deeply…

“Most parents hate to experience conflict, are deeply troubled when it occurs, and are quite confused about how to handle it constructively. Actually, it would be a rare relationship if over a period of time one person's needs did not conflict with the other's. When any two people (or groups)…” quote by Thomas Gordon
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“Most parents hate to experience conflict, are deeply troubled when it occurs, and are quite confused about how to handle it constructively. Actually, it would be a rare relationship if over a period of time one person's needs did not conflict with the other's. When any two people (or groups) coexist, conflict is bound to occur just because people are different, think differently, have different needs and wants that sometimes do not match.”

Thomas Gordon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Conflict is inevitable when people with differing needs coexist, and parents often feel ill‑equipped to manage it constructively.

In simple terms: People clash because they’re different; parents struggle with handling it.

Key Takeaway

Learn skills to navigate conflict positively.

Themes

parenting conflict resolution communication relationships

Mood

anxious hopeful

Type

advice instructional

When to use this quote

  • family meals
  • school meetings
  • therapy sessions
  • team projects

Key Concepts

needs differences emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can parents model healthy disagreement?
  • What strategies reduce fear of conflict?
A Different Perspective

Parents may lack models for constructive conflict, leading to avoidance.

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