Should You Stay Married for the Kids?

Such a loaded question! And a difficult question to answer with a clear Yes or No.

I want to say YES because I sincerely do believe it’s in the children’s best interests for their parents to stay married.

BUT…  I have to add, I would NOT stay married if:

• My life or my children’s lives were in physical danger
• I was being physically or sexually abused by my husband
• My children were being physically or sexually abused by my husband
• My husband was addicted to drugs or alcohol with erratic, frightening behavioural changes
• My husband had broken the Law, particularly if he had been violent or (heaven forbid) murdered someone
• My husband was having serial extra-marital affairs*

If you are considering divorce, finding the quickest, simplest, least costly route is the best way to go.   Nowadays, with divorce being so prevalent in the West (roughly 50% of marriages end in divorce in the USA & UK), there are some unique ways to approach divorce.  Great example: have a look at Texas Two Step Divorce.

**Personally, I believe a marriage can survive one affair, as long as the partner who strayed:

• ends the erroneous relationship
• cuts all ties with their affair
• admits it was a mistake
• recognizes the damage it has caused
• sincerely apologizes
• offers to make amends
• promises never to have another affair

And the partner who was betrayed:

• is willing and able to forgive sincerely
• is willing and able to re-build trust in the marriage

Great Book on Infidelity and Divorce:   No One Is to Blame by Bob Hoffman

Verbal abuse and Emotional Abuse is another tricky challenge in marriage and definitely a grey area when it comes to deciding whether to stay married or not.

I certainly would not judge any mother who decided to leave a man who was constantly heaping verbal abuse on her and unwilling to undergo couple counselling, as I don’t think this kind of family discord is in the best interests of their children either.

I believe that boys who see their fathers disrespecting their mothers, become disrespectful men themselves and girls who see fathers disrespecting mothers, choose partners who in turn are disrespectful to them.  And the sins of the father…

(Please bear in mind I am speaking from the wife or mother’s perspective as I am a wife and mother and this website is aimed at wives and mothers. This does not mean that I think women are guiltless and don’t have affairs or become addicted to drugs or alcohol or emotionally abusive. I am not a man hater or husband-basher, please don’t misunderstand me.)

Why You Should Stay Together for the Kids

• The fighting and power struggle doesn’t necessarily stop when you get divorced – it just gets re-directed through the children
• Generally, divorce is expensive – in some cases you may be left with half the money or assets you had before
• Separation, i.e. living in two houses gets expensive and may mean you both need to work harder to keep afloat – this takes valuable time away from your children
• Living in two different houses, with different parenting styles, family rules etc.  is tough on children
• Children can feel very confused and alone if/when their parents enter new romantic relationships
• If you haven’t resolved your issues, your next partner may turn out just like the one you just divorced, or worse. (Better the devil you know)
• Your child(ren) may detest your new partner, or your ex-husband’s new partner and rebel against their authority
• Or worse, your child(ren) may, in time, draw closer to their step-parent and move away from you
• You are virtually powerless to protect your child in your exes new home – your children are subjected to their rules, their family values
• Children often blame themselves for their parents divorce and feel guilty
• Children often feel they have to take one parent’s side in arguments
• Children of divorce often struggle within their own relationships

How to Determine when to Stay Married for the Sake of the Kids

Before considering divorce, I would highly recommend reading these two brilliant books  by Byron Katie.

Click Images Below to Purchase on Amazon

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life 

I Need Your Love – Is That True?: How to Stop Seeking Love, Approval, and Appreciation and Start Finding Them Instead

Alternatively, a few sessions of couple counselling can go a long way to saving a marriage.  I’ve found Imago Therapy to be particularly helpful.  You could start by reading the book by Harville Hendrix that sparked off Imago Therapy: Getting the Love You Want

Once upon a time, you loved your man enough to marry him and have children.  Sometimes when the children come along and life happens, we lose focus on our marriage and it all becomes about the kids, the finances, petty arguments (housework, who does what, who pays for what, who works harder), the daily grind.   Sound familiar?

If my marriage was in trouble, here’s what I would do.  Make a list of all the things I love about my hubby and think of all the ways I could rekindle that flame.  Things that really work:

• Tell him how much you love and adore him (put a love note in his lunchbox, send him loving texts)
• Thank him for how much he does for you and the family
• Kiss him hello and goodbye
• Forgive and forget
• Reminisce about the early days of your courtship
• Compliment him on his appearance
• Dance cheek to cheek in your living room
• Try something new and exciting together
• Have fun and laugh at each other’s jokes
• Make him a special candlelit meal
• Take him out on a date
• Go for long walks on the beach or anywhere out in nature
• Lie in his arms and watch the sunset
• Stay up all night chatting and watch the sunrise

Here’s to a long and happy Marriage!

Feel free to comment below.  I’d love to hear your opinions…

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