Being in an unhappy marriage is a miserable feeling. Often couples begin very happy and in love. However, as time goes on, the couple begins to grow apart and their lives change. Divorce seems to be an option.
However, some couples or one of the partners choose not to opt for divorce. It is not that they wish to hold on to the marriage. It is that they feel that they need to stay together for their children.
Teaching, I see children living in all types of situations. It is very sad for children to not know which house they are going to or which parent will be picking them up form school. Divorce can be very trying and emotional on children.
Yet, should a couple stay together or should a spouse overlook things simply to keep the family together for the children? I am very mixed on this idea. I would hate to share my time with my share and have them gone from me for nights or weekends. I would also hate the idea of them having a stepmother.
Yet before staying together simply for the children, think about how you live at your home. Children who live in constant fighting and bickering of their parents can have equally emotional stress as those who have divorced parents.
If your home is in total chaos and you and your spouse cannot peacefully live together, then you may not be doing the right thing by staying together. Children can tell when tension is high and problems exist.
If you and your spouse can work through your difference and live in peace as close friends and be satisfied then perhaps you may be able to make it work.
The big difference that I can see with children who have divorced parents is how the parents communicate. Divorced parents who childishly put on another down and cannot get along have children with more emotional issues than divorced parents who can live peacefully.