Children are sensitive and vulnerable. Your toxic relationship with your partner can be as stressful for your child as it is for you. Your toxic relationship impacts your child. Read on for signs that indicate your toxic relationship affecting child.
1. Crying
Crying is an emotional outlet. Children also cry for attention from parents and other adults. They may cry inconsolably when the parents fight to shift the attention on themselves or out of fear.
2. New habits
Eating habits change. A child might suddenly lose their appetite or start snacking more as a way to cope with stress at home. Their sleeping pattern may also change (less sleep or sleeping too much). Struggling with parental fighting also leads to bedwetting problems for some children.
3. Nightmares
Stress, fear, and anxiety can trigger nightmares. While occasional unpleasant dreams are common, children having frequent nightmares can be a sign that your toxic relationship affecting child. Such frightening dreams cause feelings of terror which adds to the stress.
4. Pain
When a child complains about headaches or stomachaches while facing a stressful situation, the pain usually is related to anxiety. For instance, they might get stomach pain out of the blue when the parents fight.
5. Aggressive Behavior
Watching adults fight at home sets a bad example for the children. They learn to respond aggressively to any discomfort or disagreement. When a couple spends most of their time fighting, they tend to neglect the children who start feeling abandoned. It can lead to kids harboring anger and even hatred towards their parents.
Recommended reading: Is Your Parenting Style Making Your Kids More Aggressive?
6. Depression
Being exposed to conflict at home for a long period and lack of care and attention can contribute to depression in children. They may show signs of depression such as fatigue, outbursts, anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating in studies, loss of interest in hobbies, and social withdrawal.
7. Running Away
Watching parents fighting constantly might make children feel helpless and unworthy of love. They will feel suffocated in a house filled with tension. Eventually, they might start feeling disconnected and prefer spending time away from their parents. Unfortunately, some may attempt to run away from home.
If your relationship with your partner has taken a turn for the worse, make sure to check your kids. Let them know they matter and prioritize their well-being. Consider if it is worth staying in a toxic relationship for your child.
