Children said their parents are boring for they never argue!

@dee777 (1417)
South Africa
January 13, 2013 6:43am CST
They have been married now for thirty nine years and the children asked how is it that they have never seen them arguing! Their mother replied that they do disagree from time to time, but because they respect each other and them (children) so much, she and her husband will discuss any problems in private. If they cannot find a solution, they will go seek for answers. They wanted to demonstrate to their children through the years that ANY problem can be overcome with proper behavior toward each other and open communication! I think they are such an example to their children (age 35; 31)
6 people like this
24 responses
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
13 Jan 13
My husband and I also try to settle things in private so seldom that my children see as having an argument. With our eighteen years together I can say that we were able to solve little arguments peacefully. Have a nice day!
3 people like this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
13 Jan 13
Hi ARIES1973. This is brilliant. If ALL couples could do just that, what a great example for the children, hey. This couple did it for 39 years, and it amazed me last night when I heard their story!
2 people like this
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
It is always good to pick a partner wisely. Interesting. In your picture you look young to be married for that long (18 years).
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Thank you for your response ARIES1973 and joliefille. I agree that we should always try our best to set a good example to our kids. They look at our lifestyle more than they listen to our talks. joliefille, I am married for 30 years now. In the article I spoke about my aunt. Thank you for the compliment. My photo was taken in 2011.
1 person likes this
• India
13 Jan 13
when they grow up and when they become parents they will automatically get the solution.Arguing in front to them is not good as it will impact them. As parents should behave as happy they can and make their children's also happy.
2 people like this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Children learn almost everything from their parents. In setting good examples we train them for the future.
1 person likes this
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
yes, i like to learn from these parents. it is quite difficult to contain emotions when one is in argument. it takes a lot of emotional quotient and maturity to control to fly the emotions out of the body. parents who are like this must be made a model for the children. people like me can learn so much from them.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I am also learning from them although I have already been married for 30 years. It is sometimes difficult, but it pays to zip the lips when an argument arose hey!
@iva75cpb (729)
• Bulgaria
13 Jan 13
I think they've found the perfect solution to show their children the right path to ride on. In most cases the strength and long lasting life of a marriage lies on the basis of preventing their children from seeing severe family disputes and arguments. Of course, there is no family without disagreements, but finding the right balance and private solution of any problems lay the foundation of the stable family for the children. Because children, grown up in stable and non-conflict environment are more likely to form a stable family of their own, because they will already have the example and role model in their minds. There are exceptions, of course, but fortunately they are not too many.
@iva75cpb (729)
• Bulgaria
14 Jan 13
Of course we all have made the mistake to argue and violently solve our family issues in front of our kids. It has happened to me once, two years ago, and I still deeply regret it. Ever since my boyfriend and I have been trying to make our family a role model for our daughter and not let her see us solving every crisis by yelling and throwing things. We also learned to be good to each other, and also never stop showing her how much we love her and how much we love each other. We are giving her an environment of love and respect, surrounding her with justice and balance. That way I hope she will grow up with the notion what a stable and loving family must be like.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Brilliant. Continue to set an example and teach her. One day when she is an adult you will see that she can use all that you have taught her. Well done.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Thank you. Children learn from parents. If parents are rude towards each other, the child may think that that is the way to solve problems. he/she may do the same when they are married one day. I agree that we should do our best to set good examples to the children as far as possible.
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
13 Jan 13
They are a good example to all the parents. I believe most of the children don't like seeing their parents arguing or fighting, especially for the young children. I know my daughter is afraid of seeing my hubby and I arguing, I saw her fear in her eyes. SO we try to not argue in front of my daughter, like them, we try to solve it in private.
2 people like this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I agree that they are good examples! It scares children when they see their parents arguing.
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
13 Jan 13
My husband and I try to solve our disagreements in private. But we do let our kids know we have disagreements and how we solve them. Otherwise, they won't know how to solve disagreements in their own marriage. I don't want my kids to think that it is always bliss in a marriage. Both my husband and I think it is important not to fight in front of our children and we seldom do. But at the same time, we want them to understand how to overcome conflict in a marriage. And how to do in a mature and responsible and caring manner.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I agree that we should teach our children to be problem solvers. Even when we disagree they must see that there is still respect and love for the other partner.
1 person likes this
@joliefille (3690)
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
That is certainly admirable to hear at this age and time. I had only seen my parents argue once when I was still small, I think around 7 or 8. I admire a relationship with respect for the other partner. It does make the marriage harmonious.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
If we set the example, our children would want to have marriages like ours. With love and respect we can build a healthy nation.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
15 Jan 13
True. I envy relationships like that. I know because my past relationships have been with incompatible partners. I know I think a lot and people say it may have contributed to my failed relationships but I also cannot deny that there are partners which bring out the worst in us. It's just the energy dynamics between a couple. In that regard I also know I am not just overthinking things because it may not be the right time for me yet.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
17 Jan 13
Patience my dear - patience. Do not try to change who you are. It is strange that people are drawn to the complete opposite of who they are hey. The perfect match is out there. Keep your eyes open and do not rush into anything when you feel uncomfortable, or have even a slight doubt... I now remember what a former employer once told me: "Dee, you know what is the problem with you? You think too much!". I told him that I will not stop thinking while I still have breath in my lungs... haha!
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
14 Jan 13
Yup! Better for couple to talk any misunderstanding inside the family and explain it to their children the reason such conflicts between the couple for the children understand that their parents did not argue or fighting to each other. Because children is very sensitive at these days...
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
That is true. I remember how I felt as a young child when my parents argued. I wanted to cry all the time and was so scared... Parents should consider their kids every time they have a disagreement.
1 person likes this
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
14 Jan 13
I think children should see their parents argue and I think they should also see them "apologize" and make up. If kids are not allowed to see their parents argue it will give them a false sense of what marriage is all about. Even the happiest couples argue with each other. Parents argue with their children. I think what matters most is how you interact with each other when you argue. You don't want to be screaming obscenities at each other, but discussing issues calmly. Rare is it if ever that you will find a married couple agreeing on everything. I don't think we should give our kids false illusions like that.
1 person likes this
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
14 Jan 13
Children need to learn to solve conflicts as well, and as parents we are there first teachers. Yes, we should watch our language, and we shouldn't be screaming and yelling at the top of our lungs. As parents though we are our children's first teachers and they should be learning conflict resolution through us. Kids can sense conflict whether parents choose to dissolve those situations behind closed doors or not. They need to witness how parents solve their problems. They can not just be taught to ignore them, that will teach them nothing.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Thank you Arieles and Isjapdoit. Yes, there will always be disagreements in relationships. It is HOW we address difficult issues that will make, or break a child. We should choose our words well and never attack the character of the other person when we disagree on a topic. The children must witness love and respect the parents have for each other.
• Indonesia
14 Jan 13
That's a good point you make Arieles. We as parents had better watch our language when we argue in front of kids. Kids can certainly learn something good from seeing their parents solve problems and differences with sound reasonings openly.
@edvc77 (2140)
• Philippines
14 Jan 13
That is really perfect. Parents must not really argue infront of their children. They are really good example of a couple. I hope some coules out there would realize that is really bad to argue infront of their children. Thanks for this.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I am also challenged by their relationship and it is really amazing how they take time to listen to each other before they open their mouths.
@vernaC (1491)
• Romania
13 Jan 13
Those children are proud of their parents for sure. My parents were like this when I was a kid but they changed in time. When we moved to another place and and with our new neighbors behaving badly, they too behaving like our neighbors. My dad hang out and drink with his friends and my mom gets mad and argue with my dad with big mouth.Geeess..
1 person likes this
@vernaC (1491)
• Romania
14 Jan 13
You are very right. Now that I have a family of my own, I avoid things that I know may cause or bring disappointments to my own family and all of these I learned from my experiences of what happened to my parents.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
17 Jan 13
Good for you! Two things can happen when we have faced bad experiences as children. We either become just like our parents, or we learn NOT to do what they do. I am sure you are a great parent!
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
It is sad when a child see a parent misbehaving. Sometimes in looking at them we can learn NOT to be like that! Eventually we all make our own choices in how we behave.
@lsjapdoit (651)
• Indonesia
14 Jan 13
Such good examples by doing, not just talking, are good for kids. They will likely do similar things to their spouses.The more parents do that the better the kids' future will be.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Exactly. Children learn from what they SEE their parents do. Parents give their children 'tools' how to live life - especially when they disagree. Children mimic what parents do and will apply the same when they enter relationships.
@deiusz (193)
• Indonesia
14 Jan 13
respect each other is one important thing part in our relationship, even we need to open and sharing each other without any secret. I learned with we open each other we can talk easyly when the problem is coming and try get the answer to solve the problem. Talk with children or not, i think depends on age of the kid, are they understood how the parents think or not.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Thank you deiusz. Children, how young or old, can easily 'pick up' if there is a negative 'vibe' between parents. It confuses the child when they see that their parents cannot solve problems. Taking time to listen to each other is also important and I agree that there should be openness.
• Philippines
14 Jan 13
Wow.. what a nice and a very inspiring message to learn. In my experience it is true that any hated arguments must be done in private. The children are very sensitive and can easily adopt to what they hear, observed and most especially if the source are their parents. The lack of parents arguments was interpreted as boring by the children. This is a good observation. It is true for sometimes it is also important that the children can observe a healthy arguments from their parents. A healthy arguments.. what I mean, is constructive argument. The children has the right to learn the basic. The parents in raising their children, must bear in mind.. Outside and away from home the children will be exposed on different environment. The home is the basic foundation of how they will react to some challenges outside. .
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I like what you say about constructive arguments. We live in an imperfect world with lots of flaws and there will always be disagreements. It is HOW parents address difficult situations that is important. Constructive arguments should build the child's self-esteem and never break him/her down. I agree that laying the right foundation for our children is very important.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
My ex and I do agree but not in front of our kids. We settle the matter in private and that's why our kids were confused when we finally call it quits.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I agree with you. Children will loose respect too for their parents when they witness fights. They watch us all the time and learn how to do relationships.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
That is one perfect relationship, I would say. Although it is really inevitable not to have arguments in the relationship, at least they have managed mot to show their kids those "ugly times". I think that if people would learn to have that respect towards one another, then every single household will have its peace.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I am sure that the children knows when their parents disagree. When parents disagree with each other the child should still witness their love and respect. Children become like the parent and we should be careful with all our actions.
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
14 Jan 13
I completely agree with you. They are a great example to their children. Every relationship should strive to do things like that. Couples should discuss those things in private. This will keep the children from feeling like they have to be burdened with their parents problems as well. This keeps peace and commitment in the relationship between husband and wife. They show respect for one another this way.
• United States
14 Jan 13
Glad to hear that the children as well are doing these things in their own relationship. The parents great example has benefit to all. It is such a great thing to hear. So many families do not do these things and it causes a lot of problems and heartache.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
Thank you Dominique. This couple's 2 children are now also married, and guess what? They are taking care of their marriage the way they saw their parents did - with love and respect.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
18 Jan 13
Parents were not born with a manual on how to raise perfect kids. We should just strive in our everyday life to set a good example. It is not always easy and we do get angry from time to time. Openness, honesty and lots of love is important in raising a family, hey. Take care my friend.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
13 Jan 13
With only discussing problems in private you do not teach your children how to handle problems. BTW a discussion has nothing to do with argueing or fighting. So this answer doesn't make any sense to me. As a parent you should show your children as well that you are not having a solution to each problem, that you have your strugles, doubts as well and your problems. You should teach them how to express yourself, to make clear you are not always sharing the same opinion and not everyting is worth to fight about. Also you should be an example of how to deal with feelings as being hurt, angry, disappointed. If you are not doing that your children will only feel big losers if they don't share the same opinon with their friends or partner. You do not teach them that it's normal to be that way and that if both want there is always a solution and a problem is seldom that huge as it seems. I think the children are right and I can't agree with you these parents were demostrating their childeren how or what. What was really bothering them they did private, between closed doors.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
14 Jan 13
I agree that we should teach the children how to solve problems. It is the way that it is done that may confuse a child. When parents use harsh words, or swearing, it hurt the child. When parents disagree the child should still see love and respect.
@kokomo (1867)
• Philippines
29 Jan 13
Yes, I think that's better for the couple.Not arguing in front of the children should be practice by couples because the first institution where children learns a lot is in their home. Whatever , they have seen inside their home, they apply it outside and so the behavior reflects on what they used to do and what they had learned at home.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
7 Mar 13
Yes, children need to feel safe when they are with their parents. Couples who argue in front of their children confuses them so much and it is so unhealthy for the growing child.
@pomwango (1353)
• Kenya
18 Jan 13
this is such an admirable couple.i also believe in my husband and i having our quarrels away from the kids,i dont think its good to see your parents shouting at each other or quarreling.do it in private ,this way you still both hold your head high infront of your children,can you imagine the quarrel gets overboard while in the presence of your kids and you utter a bad word to your spouse it will forever stick in the kids head,lets respect our children and hold heated discussions away from the children.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
18 Jan 13
Hello pomwango! You know what, I have realized that if ALL parents consider their children highly when they have a disagreement, the world will be a better place. For we will equip our kids and show them how people should respect each other. When they grow up they will want to do what they saw mom and dad do. Heated discussions should never be in front of our kids, for sure!