Support for parents who are arguing (Relationships Matter programme)
How arguments affect children
There is evidence that ongoing arguments can make children feel anxious and worried.
Children struggle to understand why arguments between adults happen and it can make them feel as if the arguments are their fault.
Children of all ages who live with ongoing conflict and arguments can:
- Do less well at school than their friends
- Struggle with their emotional well-being and feel more anxious
- Struggle to sleep properly
- Develop poor communication skills
- Struggle to resolve conflict in their own life with friends and others
Babies, toddlers, children and young people can be upset and anxious about their parent or carers arguing, even if they seem ok on the outside.
Children often keep their worries inside and that can make everyone around them believe that they are doing well.
Even if you think the children can't hear your arguments, they know that something isn't right and this makes them feel unhappy, worried or scared.
[youtube link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy4veklpyS4"]
For more information, see GOV.UK: Reducing Parental Conflict: the impact on children