Do you think my three year old daughter was affected?

My husband and I was in an abusive relationship. I would say about two months before I had a restraining order against him I noticed my daughter began to suck her bottom lip…even in her sleep. It started to get swollen, dry and cracked…it would even bleed. Since he has been gone, about a week it is no longer swollen and she doesn't suck it anymore.

Although there was no physical violence in front of her do you think she was affected by the other forms of abuse or is this something that kids do?

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Answer:
Biting or sucking your lip is a comfort response for times of stress or anxiety. Just like grinding teeth. So yes she was affected, and should probably get some sort of counseling.

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Answer:
Kids can tell when something is wrong, even if she never saw, she listens and senses that something wasn't right, that mom and father are angry. Kids are very perceptive. You’re very brave getting out of an abusive relationship and now your healing can begin. Speak to your councilor and discuss your daughter and how to speak to her about what happened, why it happened and that it was Not her fault. She needs to know she is loved and that her mommy is going to be OK.

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Answer:
She might have felt some of the effects even if she never witnessed your husband being physical with you. Like she could have heard whatever was going on, or she might have been able to feel the tension or the effects it had on you. You could try gently talking to her if you think she's acting different otherwise I would just hold her tight and give her hugs each second of the day, Good for you for getting yourself and your little angel out of harms way, I hope you'll never go back to that “man”. Ideal of luck in life.

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Answer:
i think it may have been a security thing for her maybe that was her way to block out the fighting by consintrating on something on her or maybe to get some attention from both of you guys so u wouldnt fight anymore…. i had the same problem but my daughter would bite herself all the time when we were fighting or sometime when she just felt the tension u know… but since then she has done better maybe u should speak to her about its ok now

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Answer:
even if there was no physical violence in front of her she could feel the tension. I pray he stays away because a lot if times the restraining order means nothing to these freaks….she should be fine as long as you give her plenty of luvin!!!!!!!!!!!
she was comforting her tensions by sucking…kinda like a baby with a pacifier or thumb sucking……….get yourself some pepper spray (the good kind) and squirt the sh!t directly in his eyes if he comes near you…make sure you and baby do not get in the wind of the spray!!!!!!

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Answer:
Talk with her pediatrician about your worries. Do you really want to have faith in the opinions of random people on Y!A and risk her mental/emotional health??