photo credit: LocoMotion Photography

What is the emotional temperature of your home? Is it warm and nurturing or is it cold and uncomfortable? Is there laughter or strained silence?

Children are like little sponges, they absorb all that is around them. They pick up on subtle nuances between their parents. They can sense if there is a problem going on and if it continues it fills them with fear. Their world becomes unsettled and they may react to it in different ways: poor sleep, loss of appetite, irritability, withdrawal or acting out behaviors.

Because of their lack of maturity, they may carry the fear even after their parents have made up and are on track again. They feel helpless and don’t know when or if it will happen again. Children don’t know how to gauge the severity of the situation , all they know is, things are out of balance and it scares them.

If you see signs of anxiety in your children, talk with them in private. Give them opportunities to confide in you about their feelings. Reassure them as honestly as you can. Make sure they know that they are not the cause of any adult problem you may be having.

Watch the emotional temperature in your home and keep it at a healthy level for all concerned.

Mary Taylor, www.theschoolmarm.com

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