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Marital fights often lead to distraction and depression in the parents. They become less effective in dealing with their children. Parents become absorbed in their marital problems and are unable to concentrate as much on their parenting practices. They have less energy, focus and patience with their children and their issues

Teens feel less secure and more anxious when they are aware that their parents aren’t getting along. They fear that one parent will leave the family to avoid the repetitive arguments. They also think friction with their parents is more personally threatening when they see their parents constantly fighting

In homes with little strife, children are optimistic about getting along. They are more flexible, adaptive, and more open-minded and constructive in their approaches to problem solving. They are more open in their communications.

Children from high conflict homes have a harder time learning to control their emotions. They are more prone to anger and violence. They may use a high conflict style to resolve problems with their peers, siblings or later in life when they become parents themselves

Loyalties become confused

parents set the stage for manipulation and divided loyalties within the family.

They may avoid being home, spend more time with their friends or even try using alcohol or drugs to keep from thinking about their quarreling parents. School performance also suffers

Does all of this suggest that fighting parents should divorce for the sake of the children? No. The evidence is that divorce itself – independent of parental conflict, style of parenting or even earlier problems by children – has a negative impact in children’s lives.