Differing opinions to cause fights are common things in a husband-wife relationship. However, fighting in front of children nolah wise choice, because can pose a danger to mental health.
Screams, insults, cursing, and acts of violence that Mother and Father often show when fighting in front of the Little One can make a strong impression on his memory. These bad memories often affect the child's mental development later.
What is the Impact of Arguing in Front of Children?
Did you know that you are a role model for your little one? If Mom and Dad often fight in front of the Little One, he or she will probably imitate Mom and Dad, or even no longer consider Mom and Dad as role models they can be proud of.
In addition, children depend on their parents for comfort and security. If they often see their parents fighting, children can feel uncomfortable and afraid.
Arguing in front of children can also cause various other negative impacts on children, namely:
1. Make children stressed
A recent study revealed that parental fights witnessed by children can lead to increased production of children's stress hormones.
Even babies can be affected. While sleeping, babies can record loud noises and screams around them. In addition to disturbing his sleep, loud noises can also interfere with his development.
2. Make children anxious and at risk of depression
Seeing his parents often fight can make children more easily anxious, even depressed. This is related to the negative thoughts that develop in the child's mind and his concern that this fight will lead to the divorce of his parents.
Children's fear of parental separation is very original. When parents divorce, the child will usually follow one parent, and this can make him or her lose a mother or father figure.
3. Children are not close to siblings
If this fight leads to a divorce, the relationship between the child and his siblings can also be tenuous. Mom or Dad may be bringing one of the children, and not both. Divorce finally separated them.
4. Children tend to be naughty
Conflict with parents can make children feel less cared for. Finally, children will seek attention in their own way, for example by doing mischief at home or problems at school.
5. Difficult to socialize with other people
Children who often watch their parents fight tend to find it difficult to form relationships with other people. He felt embarrassed if his friends knew that his parents often quarreled, and eventually became difficult to make friends.
Tips when Mom and Dad Fight
There is no relationship without problems. Quarrels are also sometimes unavoidable. However, to prevent the negative impact on your little one due to this fight, there are some tips that Mom and Dad can do, namely:
- If there is a problem, talk as cool as possible and don't get carried away with emotions.
- If you want to fight, avoid fighting in front of your child as much as possible. Find a quiet place, such as in your room or outside. Mom and Dad can also find the right time, for example when the Little One is at school. If necessary, Mom and Dad can leave it for a while at their grandparents' house.
- If you accidentally fight in front of your little one, tell him that Mom and Dad are just arguing. Give him the understanding that discussing problems is a natural thing for parents. If you accidentally use words that are harsh or too loud, explain to your little one that this method was wrong, and that Mom and Dad really regret it.
- Explain and reassure your little one that the household of Father and Mother will still be fine after this debate.
If Mom and Dad fight more and more often, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist who specializes in marriage counseling. Do not let the quarrel between Mother and Father get bigger and can no longer be covered up, until it finally explodes in front of the Little One, or even ends in the thing that he fears the most, namely the divorce of Mother and Father.
