While parents may not be able to avoid arguments, the least they can do is not drag their children into it
KARACHI: Research has shown that children who grew up around high levels of domestic conflict end up with more physical, emotional and social challenges later on in life. A study by the University of York found that children of divorced parents are more damaged by the arguments that occurred during the marriage, than by the split itself. Witnessing fights at home meant that they were 30 per cent more likely to develop behavioural issues as compared to other children. In summary, conflict between parents can affect a child’s mental health, the development of their social and emotional skills, academic attainment and most importantly, their future relationship.
While parents may not be able to avoid arguments, the least they can do is not drag their children into it. To make the situation worse, they often force their children to take sides which cause them to further develop anger and aggression. By the time parents realise the consequences of their actions, the damage is already done, in majority of the cases. However, this should not be used as an excuse by parents not to correct their behaviour. When children see parents acting with empathy and compassion, they will also act accordingly. Also, when children see their parents working together as a team rather than on opposing sides, their temperament and conduct change for the better. After all, as the famous saying goes, “Children do not do as you say, they do as you do.”
Shameem Khuda Bakhsh
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2019.
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