BYPP Weekly Coaching: Discussing Conflict

Meeting Summary

“Understanding Conflict, Healing Patterns, and Raising Emotionally Resilient Families”**

In this week’s session, the group explored the deeply human experiences that shape how we communicate, resolve conflict, and support the people we love. What began as a light-hearted check-in about schedules, parenting chaos, cultural quirks, and family dynamics evolved into a profound conversation about trauma, emotional awareness, and the powerful role of conscious communication in transforming relationships.

Balancing Family, Work, and Emotional Load

Participants shared candid glimpses into their everyday lives, from Cathy juggling meetings, household duties, and the unpredictable needs of her children, to conversations about punctuality, routines, and the often–invisible emotional labour parents carry. These personal moments opened the door to discussing the pressures families face and the importance of understanding each person’s internal world.

Conflict Resolution Through Empathy and Awareness

Cathy grounded the discussion in her professional background in trauma, sociology, and leadership, highlighting how unresolved trauma shapes communication styles and decision-making. She emphasised the value of intentional practice in conflict resolution and the need for leaders, parents, and partners to develop the skill of responding rather than reacting.

The group acknowledged the increasing demand for session recordings, reflecting how many listeners are finding comfort and clarity through these conversations.

Transforming Conflict Through Self-Reflection

Shirley shared a powerful personal story about recognising her contribution to conflict within her marriage and family. Growing up with shouting as a communication norm, she realised she had been repeating generational patterns—patterns that deeply impacted her son, who has ADHD and dyslexia. Through deliberate change, she learned to listen with compassion, strengthening her relationships and breaking the cycles she inherited.

Cultural Understanding and Emotional Safety

Connie offered insight into the importance of cultural sensitivity when resolving conflict, sharing a workplace moment where a Muslim client misunderstood her intentions. This highlighted the value of interpreters, curiosity, and non-judgment in culturally diverse environments. Cathy added her own experience navigating cultural misunderstandings within her blended family, showing how open communication dissolves the assumptions that fuel conflict.

Childhood Trauma and Parenting Patterns

Philippa introduced the concept of how childhood wounds shape adult behaviour and parenting styles. She stressed the importance of recognising our patterns instead of blaming ourselves for them. The group explored how trauma, especially when unspoken, can travel silently through generations unless someone becomes aware and consciously chooses a different path.

Healing Trauma Through Family Bonds

Cathy shared a transformative moment from her book, where her daughter Sky revealed how deeply her mother’s body image struggles affected her. Sky’s courage, honesty, and trust created healing for them both. Other participants added their own experiences, reinforcing the truth that generational trauma is softened through transparency, responsibility, and deep listening.

Unconscious Patterns, Emotions, and the Power of Presence

The discussion turned to how parenting often exposes the unconscious scripts we inherited. Paul described how breathwork reveals emotional tension stored in the body, and shared a metaphor about buffaloes running toward storms—teaching that facing emotions directly often brings the fastest relief. Philippa emphasised that many adults were never taught how to sit with pain, their own or others’, leading to avoidance rather than understanding.

Shirley spoke about her journey of finally learning to feel emotions without shame, while Cathy reinforced the importance of meeting people exactly where they are, without minimising their feelings.

Managing Conflict With Skill and Support

Bethany, drawing from her experience as a police officer, shared practical insights into de-escalation and active listening—tools crucial in navigating high-stress moments. Cathy reflected on supporting her neurodiverse children, highlighting the difference regulation and calm presence can make during escalations. The group agreed on a key truth: seeking help is not weakness, but wisdom.

The meeting closed with introductions from newer members, offering a rich blend of professional skills—nutrition, coaching, therapy, breathwork, somatic support—all strengthening the diverse fabric of the BYPP community.