Family disputes can impact students’ performance, expert warns

Family counselor Abeer Al-Saad warns that family disputes can negatively impact students' academic performance as the new school year begins. The start of the school year is a critical time for families, with family stability playing a crucial role in children's mental health and ability to focus on academics. Speaking to Ajel, Al-Saad explained that children exposed to continuous tension and conflict at home may struggle to concentrate in school.

She noted that while the effects of marital disputes may not be immediately apparent, they can manifest as behavioral and psychological changes in children. Warning signs include irritability, withdrawal, sleep disturbances, declining academic performance, loss of interest in school, or in severe cases, refusal to attend classes.

Younger children, who often lack the verbal skills to express their feelings, may exhibit indirect behavioral issues stemming from home stress. Al-Saad emphasized that when children become involved in parental disputes—whether by being drawn into conflict details, hearing complaints about the other parent, being asked to choose sides, or being used as messengers—they suffer additional psychological harm.

She stressed that children should not be made to bear the burden of their parents' disagreements or responsible for repairing the relationship. Al-Saad pointed out that family disagreements are normal and do not imply that marital life must be conflict-free. The key, she said, is how parents manage these disputes and ensure they do not become a constant source of fear or anxiety for their children.

As the new school year approaches, Al-Saad stressed the importance of providing a calm and secure home environment to help children begin the academic year confidently and focused, free from conflicts that do not concern them.