Even healthy relationships result in fights on occasion. There are bound to be times when you’ll butt heads on certain subjects. Arguments are a part of normal relationships and may even help you stay closer.
However, when you have kids, it’s critical that you keep these “disagreements” out of your childrens’ view. Remember, children are little sponges. Part of your job is to show them how to handle conflict effectively. Letting them see you fight could lead to the following issues for them.
Difficulty Forming Healthy Adult Relationships
When a child is exposed to fighting frequently, it increases the possibility that they will repeat the same behaviors when they’re older. Children who witness excessive fighting are much more likely to be involved in domestic violence later in life.
If all your child knows is fighting, then it’s no surprise that they’ll repeat the same behavior in their own relationships. When they’re faced with adversity, conflict will become their only solution. Rather than setting a poor example, show them that you can still disagree in a relationship without having to resort to yelling or violence.
Emotional Insecurity
Witnessing fighting has been proven to lower a child’s sense of security, and ultimately self-worth. Children who are consistently exposed to fighting will exhibit more signs of anxiety and worry.
Since home life is so unstable, they expect that life will be the same. The world becomes a dangerous place where they never know when things can suddenly erupt.
Increased Stress
Living in a home where fighting is frequent is a stressful atmosphere. Overhearing your parents scream or insult each other will start to take its toll on your childrens’ well-being.
Stress negatively affects everyone, particularly children. Since the home is supposed to be a place where children are able to find comfort in the world, failing to give them a peaceful space will negatively impact them. Don’t make home a stressful place; make it a safe place!
Poor School Performance
Studies show that children frequently exposed to conflicts at home have lower cognitive performance. They may have difficulty paying attention over a certain period of time and lack problem-solving skills.
If you notice that your child’s grades are less than ideal, ask yourself whether it may have something to do with home life. If there is a lot of fighting going on, it’s likely a reason for their struggles in school.
Behavioral Issues
When children witness conflict and anger, they internalize it. As a result, children from chaotic households are more likely to have behavioral and social problems in school.
As they get into their older years, their social challenges may evolve into delinquency and a life of crime.
