While your 5-year-old may not specifically remember every instance of you shouting, the emotional impact of those events can definitely linger.
Here's a breakdown of why:
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Emotional Memory is Powerful: Even if a child doesn't have a crystal-clear, detailed memory of the event (episodic memory), they can still retain the emotional feeling associated with it (emotional memory). This means they might not remember what you shouted about, but they could remember feeling scared, sad, or anxious.
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Impact on Feeling Safe: Shouting can disrupt a child's sense of safety and security. Repeated shouting could lead to a child becoming more easily startled, anxious, or withdrawn, even if they don't consciously remember all the specific incidents.
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Toddlers and Emotional Tone: As young children, they are very attuned to the emotional atmosphere around them. Even if they don't understand the reasons behind the shouting, they will absorb the negativity. The younger they are, the more impact it will have.
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What They Do Remember: While they might not recall the specifics, frequent shouting can shape their overall perception of your relationship and their environment. They might remember that yelling is something that happens in the home, creating a sense of unease.
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Long-Term Effects: Over time, repeated exposure to shouting can have negative impacts on a child's self-esteem, emotional regulation, and behavior.
In summary, while your 5-year-old may not have detailed memories of each shouting incident, the emotional impact and associated feelings can be long-lasting. It's best to find alternative ways to communicate and manage conflict.
