what effect does a massive row between parents have on children?

[sansouci]

My ss started nursery school today & my dd started what we call in Canada 1st grade (she's 6). So it was a big day for us all. Unfortunately, tension was running high & to make a long story short, dh & I had a huge argument which ended up with dh shouting abuse at me and I lost it completely & slapped him across the face. I can't believe I did that & I'm still in shock from the violence that seemed to come out of the blue. The children were huddled together, watching us wide-eyed & then crying & I can only begin to imagine what they must have been feeling. I feel sick & don't know what to do. I think the neighbors must have heard. Well, maybe bu**er the neighbors but what about my beloved children?! How can I make ammends? I hate dh & told him so & also told him that he's selfish & a bully & has always been so. And then I began to cry, which I never do. Please advise!

I'm much better, thank you. My bf came over to my house after we'd picked up our dc from school & we talked about it. She was v. supportive & didn't condemn me for slapping dh (but then you expect your RL friends to support you & MN to give it to you straight!) Anyway, she bravely stayed until dh came home & then scurried off. As soon as she & her dc left, dh took me in his arms, hugged me tightly & apologised. Very rare occurance. Of course, I melted, old softie that I am & our dc, who had been lurking nervously waiting to see what mummie & daddy would do, were thrilled. But I didn't let him off the hook & we are going to sit down together & seriously sort out this Xmas thing. I love the idea of the big girls & dh doing some cooking, going out for a meal or two (hang the expense) & especially having some sansouci downtime!! Pref. with a large glass of sauvignon blanc. I'll probably spend my free time on MN! Thanks all for your help. xx

I'm off out now sanscouci but glad to hear you're doing good I'm so happy for you hun xxxxxxx will talk later