Problems and coping strategies used by children from homes with marital conflicts in Tanga city

The study investigated problems and coping strategies of children from homes with marital conflicts in Tanga city in Tanzania Mainland. It identified the sources of marital conflicts and assessed the problems faced by children from the homes for their own survival. Qualitative and quantative research approaches were employed to facilitate the study. An exploratory technique was used to collect data from a sample of 100 respondents. Data were analysed in subthemes and presented in the form of frequencies and percentage. The findings revealed that home with marital conflict homes manifested lack of trust, love, responsibility, poor sexual relations and family violence. The reason for marital conflicts included bearing children out of wedlock, differences in religious faith, extramarital relationships and lack of steadfastness. The study revealed that depression, poor academic performance and harassment from parents were the major effects facing children from homes with marital conflict. In order to cope with their problems, the children engaged in small businessman away from home, engaged in sexual acts, sought for emotional and begged on streets. The study concluded that there are many coping strategies that employ by children from homes with marital conflicts. It was recommended that newlywed couples or those contemplating for marriage should seek counselling that would help them from strong family bonds or help them lay a strong foundation for developing marital problem solving skills, have confidence and confidentiality of family issues in order to resolve the problems of spouses and children. Newlywed couples may decide to be aware and be prepared for reality and the challenges of marriage before taking the plunge, or make marriage vows that help them. Also, family education programmes should be provided to all members of the community in order to reduce marital problems which lead to problems among children in families with marital conflict and effectiveness coping skills that reduce problem of children from homes.