Positive Conflict

Introduction

Can you picture two young brothers squabbling? Their parents stand by in moderate dismay as they shake their heads and remark: “These kids are so different. They don’t get along. They seldom see eye to eye. It seems as if they are constantly teasing each other.” The parents may wonder if this rivalry is caused by some deep-seated jealousy or if it is just a matter of two lively boys testing their wills as young lion cubs do.

Sharon and I are the parents of four sons and three daughters. Of course, I considered all my children to be exceptional—possessing great potential. Through the years they have demonstrated that my early bias, ...