What happens to children when parents fight?

(HealthDay) – "Do not fight in front of children."

This sounds like familiar advice that has been pbaded down from generation to generation. But in the end, it's not always the fighting but the way you fight that can have a negative – or positive – effect on your children.

Researchers E. Mark Cummings and Patrick Davies have been studying this topic for decades. They say that parents who hear arguing positively and constructively can actually boost a child's development, whether it's learning better social skills or succeeding in l & # 39; school.

On the other hand, whether you're going to fight in camera or arguing in front of your children, if you do it in a petty manner, you create a stressful environment that can affect their psychological development. It can also lead to behavioral problems, especially if the children are involved in the arguments. Children also receive the wrong message when one of the parents is trying to stop the fights by giving in, especially when he is resentful or he just puts an end to the communication.

Taking a positive approach to arguments is best for children and your relationship. Rather than preparing an opponent's state of mind for combat, examine the situation from your partner's perspective to understand his point of view. If you do both, it will be easier to find solutions. Whether the fight is about a transgression or a difference of opinion, resist criticism and be kind, an important behavior to adopt for your children, which teaches them how to handle difficult situations in their own lives.

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