Yes, Yes, and Yes! The nature of human relationships is that we will sometimes disagree. It`s wonderful for children to see their parents model how to work out disagreements. It`s important for them to know that we don`t always agree, but we always love each other. Kids need to see us ask for what we need without attacking the other person. And it`s critical for them to see us make up, with affection and forgiveness.

But that doesn`t mean that it`s okay to yell at each other in front of our kids. The research shows that when parents disagree respectfully and then work things through to a solution and affectionately make up, kids learn valuable lessons about working through conflicts constructively. But the research also shows that yelling always affects kids badly. Yelling is not constructive conflict resolution. It`s a tantrum.

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Kathleen Notes: I always appreciate an article that benefits both couples and children. This is one.