Arguing in Front of Kids - Right or Wrong?

Some parents believe that arguing in front of children may prepare them for future life. In a poll, conducted between 10/2/14 and 1/28/15, Meetville.com (dating app to find the right person) posed the question: “Do you think couples should argue in front of their kids?”

Those polled numbered 76,425, with a majority (68%) of people assuming that partners shouldn’t argue in front of their children. Participants of the poll represented the following countries: USA –  89%, Canada –  2%, Britain – 4%, Australia – 3% and other countries – 2%.

Some scientists are sure that parents should avoid arguing in front of their kids as it has a huge impact on them. Tina B. Tessina, PhD, a psychotherapist, states: “Fighting in front of kids also raises the anxiety level in children, because it threatens their secure home environment. Children who see their parents fight or argue worry about divorce. They also do not learn healthy, effective negotiation skills."

Although there are those who think that children can benefit from this as well. Walter Glen, a famous blogger, says: “People who love each other argue sometimes. Kids need to learn that it's natural. It doesn't mean you've stopped loving each other. It doesn't have to mean your relationship is in trouble. It's just something that happens when people live in close quarters and share a lot of responsibility.”

Alex Cusper, Meetville service analyst, is sure that fighting in front of children may affect them more than parents realize. Kids are very sensitive to any type of conflicts that may occur between parents. Although kids may learn some important rules from parents’ debates, it affects children's sense of security.

Meetville, a leading mobile dating service, regularly conducts research among its users. Millions of people from the U.S., Canada, Britain and Australia answer hundreds of questions every month. You can find the results of the poll here. If you are interested in research on a particular topic, please contact us. Any reprint of the material should be followed by clickable links to the survey.