Arguing parents can hurt their kids

Arguing parents can hurt their kids

Children can be harmed for life by their parents arguing frequently or giving each other the silent treatment according to the latest research from Professor Gordon Harold. “This research also reminds us that parents have a wonderful opportunity to show their children healthy ways to manage conflict and disagreements. “ said Cary Hayward, National Practice Manager, Relationship Services.

“No one wants to see their kids get hurt when they argue” said Mr Hayward. “We know that ongoing arguments are very common, our 2008 survey found that 78% of couples have ongoing disagreements.”

Relationship Services encourages all parents to look at how they handle their disagreements and what impact this has on their kids.

“People can learn new ways and techniques to handle disagreements which make a huge difference to family life,” said Mr Hayward,. “ and many people do not know that they can get free or subsidised assistance with relationship or parenting difficulties.”

Relationship Services is the largest specialist couple counselling service in New Zealand. Every year we help thousands of New Zealand couples deal more effectively with differences and conflict.

“Our clients often tell us how great it is that counselling gives them a safe place to try out new skills” said Mr Hayward.

With an experienced couple counsellor you can learn
- how to recognise and stop damaging arguments
- how to talk safely when there are disagreements
- how to protect children and each other from harmful behaviour

“Parenting is the most important job any person does and the way we manage ourselves in that relationship has a huge impact on everyone in the family” said Mr Hayward.. “and there is help available. You can attend counselling or parenting education programmes run by Relationship Services, or you can access self-help material on our website, www.relate.org.nz, or the Families Commission’s new parenting website.”

ENDS

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