Is fighting with my wife ruining my kids?

By GreatDad Writers

Print

Every marriage has its problems. What's a relationship without a little passionate fight and make-up? But if you and your spouse are fighting in front of the kids, consider the lessons you're teaching your youngsters about relationships. Although it's tough to control your anger sometimes, experts say that it's important to show your children the love and respect in your marriage more often than you show them the irritation and difficulty.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, having a positive relationship with the mother of your children is one of the most important ways you can show your kids how to have functional social interactions of their own.

"Fathers influence their children in large part through the quality of their relationship with the mother of their children," the organization reports."Fathers who treat the mothers of their children with respect and deal with conflict within the relationship in an adult and appropriate manner are more likely to have boys who understand how they are to treat women … [and girls who] are less likely to become involved in violent or unhealthy relationships."

In other words, you and your wife are modeling a relationship for your kids - and if you don't show them how to interact successfully, they may never learn. Of course, that doesn't mean you can never get angry. But when you and your wife fight, being mature, calm and respectful will allow you to serve as an example for your children.

Subscribe to the pregnancy newsletter or 4-8 year olds newsletter.

Email this | Print

Login with Facebook

	Comments
	By Tanisha, From Los Angeles Kids need to see the love & support more than the conflict. However, it is critical that when an argument occurs they are exposed to how to mend & make-up afterwards. Often kids grow up not knowing how to repair or maintain a relationship after a disagreement. By reconciling we teach them that disagreement does not mean we have become the enemy or that the person is against you. Instead we can show how we respect another person's point of view. A lesson sorely lacking in today's society

Post a Comment


First Name:
City:
Email Address:
Comments:	Total Words: (400 words*)
	Enter the characters you see in the image. They are case sensitive.

Shopping

Article List

	Yes, you can help your son survive puberty!
	Will your kids become emotionally damaged after a big move?
	Are you a great dad - or just a pushover?
	Tough-but-fair punishments for misbehaving children
	Can children actually become responsible pet owners?
	When can I leave my children home alone?
	Has fatherhood changed in the digital age?
	Understanding the risks and dangers of SIDS
	How do I know if my child has a severe food allergy?
	Did your teenage son recently start dating? Some things to consider
	Help! My children are becoming couch potatoes!
	Don't panic - it's only your child's first cold
	Running errands with the kids - yes, it's possible

All section articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42