| Divorce is unfortunately very common in this day and | | | | them to emulate. It is also possible that as they get |
| age. Over 50% of marriages will ultimately end in | | | | older and see healthier examples of relationships, |
| divorce, and many of these unions produce children. | | | | they may lose respect for you or become angry at |
| It can be agonizing for a parent to consider the hurt | | | | you for tolerating the abuse and subjecting them to |
| a divorce may visit upon his or her children, but there | | | | such an environment as well. |
| are instances where in the long term, it will be better | | | | 2. You partner is engaged in active addiction and is |
| for everyone involved. There are circumstances | | | | not seeking treatment. Drug, alcohol, and other |
| when the decision to divorce can be likened to being | | | | addictions can wreak havoc on a family. You may be |
| on an airplane and needing to place your own oxygen | | | | so wrapped up in trying to manage your partner's |
| mask on first before putting one on your child. Here | | | | problems, you have very little energy and focus left |
| are 3 reasons that divorce may ultimately prove the | | | | over to offer your children. In addition, your children |
| best option: | | | | risk being neglected by the addicted spouse, or even |
| 1. You are being abused. If there is any physical | | | | abused. |
| abuse occurring, you must consult with a counselor or | | | | 3. Your partner engages in serial adultery. Again, you |
| domestic violence organization to formulate a plan for | | | | are providing a prototype of a relationship for your |
| getting yourself and your children out of danger. The | | | | children to observe and possibly follow. Ask yourself |
| risk of bodily harm to you or your kids cannot be | | | | if you would want your son or daughter either |
| taken lightly. If you are in an emotionally or | | | | cheating or being cheated on in this way. You run the |
| psychologically abusive situation, this is still highly | | | | risk of contracting serious and even fatal diseases by |
| damaging. Your mental energy will be greatly | | | | remaining in a non-monogamous partnership. Also, you |
| consumed by trying to maintain the status quo in a | | | | will be distracted and consumed by trying to deal |
| difficult situation. Your children are observing this | | | | with your own hurt and emotions surrounding a |
| relationship as a prototype for their own future | | | | chronic cheater -- possibly depriving your children of |
| relationships, and this is not the model you want | | | | your time and attention as they grow. |