Arguing in front of your child

Arguing in front of your little one may cause them to deal with emotions that they are not yet developmentally prepared for.

While the argument may seem small and insignificant to an adult, it is magnified in the eyes of a child. Young children don’t understand that even though you are fighting, you still love each other and may feel insecure and badly shaken.

In spite of their best efforts, parents can end up arguing in front of their child, but if this happens it is important that both you and your partner talk to your son or daughter about it. Tell them that even though mum and dad were fighting they still love each other and it is important that you tell your kids that you both love them very much.

Parents may feel like they are strengthening their child’s character by letting them see “real life” unpleasantness, but in reality the child will become frightened if they see their parents fighting.

A young child’s developmental immaturity prevents them from protecting themselves against any emotional pain that they may be feeling.  Children don’t have the emotional capacity to hear a fight and still understand that things are ok, so all arguments need to be resolved so that no ill feelings are lingering around the home.

If you protect them from arguments they will develop optimism about the world and this positive outlook will benefit them as they grow older.

Children thrive, emotionally and developmentally, in a home that is full of laughter and happy memories, so it is important that parents try to keep the family home as welcoming and safe as possible.

Children are bound to come into contact with negative behaviour outside of the home so they should be able to view their home as a safe haven away from any negative energy.