Despite living in a world dominated by technology, family conflicts remain rooted in the same age-old issues, according to a new study. The research, published in the Journal of Family Issues, offers insights into the common sources of tension among couples and parents with children aged 4 to 17, showing that communication, parenting, and chores are still central to household disputes.The survey, which included 593 parents, revealed that couples primarily clash over communication, mood, parenting strategies, money, and household chores. While some conflicts—such as who takes out the trash—may seem trivial, they reflect larger concerns about fairness and shared responsibility. "Despite massive cultural and technological shifts, couples still seem to argue about the same things," said Allen Barton, co-author of the study and assistant professor of human development and family studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He believes these recurring issues point to fundamental aspects required to sustain romantic relationships over time.For parents and children, technology has introduced new points of contention. Teenagers and younger children often argue with their parents over cellphone usage, screen time, and other digital distractions. However, more traditional issues like bedtime delays, messy rooms, and picky eating habits continue to fuel the most frequent battles, especially between parents and younger children. "These struggles appear to be common across different types of families," Barton explained, noting that conflict is a universal experience for families, regardless of background.Interestingly, the study found that women tend to report higher levels of frustration with issues like communication, moods, and parenting than men. This trend has been seen in previous research, which indicates that women may be more attuned to the dynamics of relationships and more likely to notice and express dissatisfaction.What do Families Fight About More?When comparing conflict severity, the researchers found that romantic relationships tend to experience more intense arguments than those between parents and children. Couples were more likely to face heightened emotions over topics such as money, communication, affection, and time spent together. "The intensity of these conflicts between romantic partners was particularly striking," said Noah Larsen, lead author of the study. Understanding these common triggers can help families anticipate and navigate disputes more effectively, potentially reducing the impact of these conflicts on family dynamics. "This information can help families better prepare for conflict and also assure them that they are not alone in facing these challenges," Barton said.Protecting Your Child from Family ConflictsFamily conflicts are inevitable, but parents can take steps to protect their children from being negatively affected by these disputes:1. Keep Arguments Private Whenever possible, avoid arguing in front of your children. Witnessing conflicts between parents can cause anxiety and confusion for kids, leading them to feel insecure about their environment.2. Be a Positive Role Model Show your children how to resolve conflicts constructively. If an argument does occur in front of them, make sure they also witness the resolution. Demonstrating healthy communication and problem-solving sets a strong example for handling disagreements.3. Reassure Your Child Children may internalize family conflicts and believe they are to blame. It's important to reassure them that disagreements between adults are normal and not their fault.4. Promote Open Communication Encourage your child to express their feelings about family dynamics. Listen without judgment, and provide comfort when they feel upset or worried about conflicts.5. Establish Consistent Routines During periods of conflict, maintaining regular routines can help provide children with a sense of stability and security. This consistency allows them to feel safe, even when family tensions arise.