Your Children and Arguments

Arguments are part of family life but violent rows in front of children or that involve them are not only distressing for children to see, but over time can become damaging.

Children don't get used to seeing and hearing their parents argue, on the contrary, they become more sensitive to it and more likely to be harmed by it. Children who are exposed to severe arguing may develope emotional and behavioural problems over time. Being exposed to conflict between parents is stressful for children at any age.

When couples find a way to 'argue better' children can actually learn from witnessing their parents argue about some things. If parents can teach their children it is okay to disagree and still stay friends then rows don't have to harm. Those parents that come to compromise and move from disagreements are demonstrating that disagreements are just part of family life. These children will learn really valuable lessons about saying sorry and communication from their parents.