It goes without saying that when your kids witness you and your partner having a knock-down, drag-out argument, complete with screaming and slamming doors, it has an effect on them. So is it ever OK to fight in front of the kids? The answer may surprise you - it all depends on how you fight and what you fight about. A recent study notes the obvious - kids are most negatively affected by physical or verbally abusive fights and fights about them. Surprisingly, fights that result in the silent treatment are just as detrimental. None of these ways of trying to solve an argument are particularly effective, so why bother anyway? Having a disagreement in front of the kids and working it out appropriately actually can benefit kids. When they see their parents listening to each other, responding with respect and kindness, and resolving the issue peacefully, it actually teaches them conflict resolution.