Fighting and arguing is a part and parcel of married life – there’s no way around it! From parenting styles to division of work at home, a couple will most likely fight about all things big and small. But these fights can turn nasty with no warning – and having a child witness it is dangerous as it can impact him in negative ways. Read on to understand more.
Every couple has disagreements, which, when peacefully resolved are healthy. However, if these squabbles turn into big fights, they can have a nasty impact on children. So how do parent fights affect a child? Listed below are some of the negative effects.
The effects of parents fighting in front of children can be disastrous. On seeing their parents fighting and arguing, children start to believe that this is the way to solve problems. Thus, they try to resolve their issues in the same way with everyone. This can result in dysfunctional and failed relationships.
Parents physically fighting in front of the child can cause immense emotional distress. Witnessing regular fights between parents can trigger negative emotions among children. This leads to insecurity in them. As a result of this insecurity, children may suffer from several psychological problems like anxiety and depression.
Children emulate what they see their parents doing. If you and your spouse are constantly fighting, your child will most likely grow up learning the same thing. As a result, your child’s relationship with his partner may suffer in adulthood. It may even lead to your child feeling the need to avoid relationships from the fear of getting hurt.
Seeing their parents fight regularly may make children feel anxious, depressed, and helpless. As a result, such children may either stop eating or over-eat. They could suffer from headaches or stomach aches. They may even have trouble falling asleep at night. Fighting between parents can give rise to behavioural issues in children.
Mixed feelings of shame, guilt, unworthiness, and helplessness caused due to fighting can take a toll on the child’s mental health. As a result, the child’s self-esteem suffers, and he may find it hard to maintain a good self-image in both professional and personal fronts.
The constant fights between parents can keep the child’s mind pre-occupied. He may keep on thinking about it and may be unable to concentrate on anything else.
Parents arguing in the presence of their child can prove to be detrimental to the overall well-being and development of the child. Listed below are few of the signs which indicate that a child is affected by his parents fighting:
It is obvious that a couple will have their share of arguments. However, these fights should not go so far that they frighten your children. Read on to understand the things to keep in mind while fighting in front of your child.
Conflicts and disagreements are part of married life. It is completely understandable that a couple can have disagreements, but the important thing is to work them out amicably and come out with constructive solutions. Parents must understand how their fighting can affect their children’s well-being, world-views and personality; this is why they must ensure that all fighting and arguing in front of children is done in a manner that does not affect them adversely.
Resources and References: Developmental Science