The Effects of Angry Fathers on Children

The Effects of Angry Fathers on Children
Written By
Denise Stern
Denise Stern
Jan 25, 2010
2 minute read

A parent is bound to become angry now and again, but situations that expose a child to constant anger from a parent, especially a father, may have serious repercussions for childhood development, according to CompassionPower.com. Exposure to constant anger from a father or father figure may be considered a type of abuse called emotional abuse, which, in turn, may have a detrimental impact on the growth and development of a small child to a teenager, regardless of gender.

Fear

Small and middle aged children constantly exposed to anger from a father may become increasingly fearful in the home environment, afraid of doing or saying something wrong and inviting a father''s disapproval or anger.

Anxiety

Constant fear over the reaction of a father or fearing his anger may lead a child, regardless of age or gender, to become overly anxious and worried. Anxiety may express itself in different ways, from poor grades in school to an inability to make friends to bed wetting or fear of the dark or even phobias. Older children may grow confused and depressed, states Phobias-help.com, which sometimes leads to suicidal thoughts or acts.

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Low Self Esteem

A child constantly exposed to anger may feel he or she can't do anything right, seriously affecting self confidence and self esteem. A child may feel that nothing she does will gain approval from an angry father, a situation which may develop into an overall lack of concern over personal hygiene, safety or states of depression. In such cases, a depressed child, especially teens, may end up drinking or using drugs.

Anger

A child constantly exposed to anger by a father figure may very well become an angry individual, resentful of authority in any shape or form, states AngerManagement.com. Such anger may present in behavior problems at school, both with his peers and with teachers and generally disturbing or disruptive behavior in social environments.

Denise Stern

Denise Stern is an experienced freelance writer and editor. She has written professionally for more than seven years. Stern regularly provides content for health-related and elder-care websites and has an associate and specialized business…

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