by Marcus Brooks

Created on: September 14, 2008

THE TRUE DEFINITION OF A BROKEN HOME

Children desire a home with two parents. There's nothing like attending a parent-teacher conference in school with both mom and dad meeting the teacher. Two parents are beneficial to a child's self-esteem and emotional support. But, what if one of those parents has problems?

Every other week, Dad takes out his work issues on Mom and the kids. He never means too. He just gets that way when his boss lays in on him or the bills are due. That's no reason to divorce, right?

What about good old Mom? She has a female co-worker who she befriends. Dinners are no longer cooking at six o'clock like before. She comes in from a night of bridge or a visit to the bar around nine that night. Dad just sends you off to bed without a bedtime story. Who really needs to hear one before sleeping anyway?

Divorce is the worst thing for a child to endure. It s what they believe. But, that belief is a myth. Two stable parents can make a home. A troubled parent and their enabler doesn't.

A spouse will put up with mental, verbal and physical abuse to keep a marriage together. They would endure alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling addiction and all sorts of addictions to keep a family intact. Divorce is hell on kids. I should know. Being a child of divorce is an everlasting stigma. But, my mom and dad both love me. I know that.

Is a family truly a "family" when one parent is suffering? A family is more than a mom and dad with son and daughter. A family is where a child's self-esteem is forged. A family is where a son grows into a man and a daughter grows into a woman. You can't raise God-fearing and law-biding adults in a dysfunctional marriage.

DIVORCE ISN'T THE END.

A divorce is the worst thing a child can go through. Most children find ways to blame themselves on their parents' problems. Dad's drinking has nothing to do with "Little Timmy wetting his bed". Mom's affair has nothing to do with "Sara earning a B in chemistry, instead of an A".

Adults have adult problems. Children have enough to contend with on their own. They have to find their self-esteem, their identity and their niche outside the home. Children shouldn't have to worry about Dad beating them because he's late on the gas bill.

Sometimes, divorce is the only way to save a family. Mom and Dad are unable to be together in the same house. It is incredibly hard to be independent individuals going in, swallowing your pride for your partner and comprising your beliefs for your soul mate. Marriage is all of those things. Marriage isn't for everyone. If divorce is the only solution, both parents have to remain amicable. Adults can do their own thing. However, they are responsible in the rearing of their children. The love and passion (of a couple) may be gone. But, the mutual respect of two parents who love their children has to remain.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.