Family conflicts come from a wide range of sources. Working parents often have conflicting schedules and obligations, in-laws don't always agree with each other's core family values, and child-rearing can cause scores of disputes. According to Conflict Management, a conflict is more deep-seated than an argument or disagreement, and it requires cooperation and communication to resolve.
Work
Work and family conflicts are common grounds for tension and pressure, according to the Sloan Work and Family Research Network. When the demands of the workplace interfere with family obligations and expectations, relationships become strained, and schedules are interrupted. Conflict may arise when one parent must work late, setting off a tumult of consequences that affect meal planning, daycare and other family plans. Demands of work often take priority over family plans, and create resentment and anger that can escalate into longstanding conflicts. Conversely, the conflicts at home then affect workplace performance and additional pressure from the employer to satisfy his expectations. Stress accumulates and furthers the family conflict.
Children
As children age, they present more family conflict than they do as pliant youngsters who relied on their parents for nurturing and survival. According to psychologist Carl Pickhardt, some children are more strong-willed than others and cause conflict in the family even at a very young age. At the same time, parents often disagree on how to manage a strong-willed child, which presents additional conflict in the marriage and the family. Power struggles within the family result in additional conflicts that can stress family communication.
Illness
Conflict often arises when a family member becomes ill. Physical and mental illness put a strain on the entire family's time, budget and communication skills. When a person who once was a reliable member of the family becomes ill, struggles for power can ensue between the remaining family members. According to the Mayo Clinic, drug addiction and alcoholism are major sources of family conflict. These diseases affect every family member in a number of ways, ranging from financial and security issues to safety and reliability.
Remarriage
Step-parenting is often a stressful situation for both adults and children and may lead to a wide range of conflicts. According to the American Psychological Association, children often don't view stepparents as authority figures, resulting in discipline and respect conflicts. Stepparents who don't embrace their new family as their own create additional conflicts when they question the loyalty of their spouses.
