Thank you for your question! It can definitely be upsetting if your parents are fighting all the time. There can be different reasons why some parents continue to live together even when they are unhappy. You’re right that some parents stay together because they think it’s better for their kids. Other reasons may include the cost of paying for two separate living arrangements. Whatever the reason, it can be very stressful to live with a lot of tension. We suggest that you talk to your sister to see if she feels the same way and perhaps you can talk to your parents together. You could start by letting them know that you have noticed that they seem to have grown apart over the years and you’ve also noticed that they fight a lot which makes you upset. Tell them that you want them both to be happy even if it means that they separate for a while.

It’s a good idea to talk with a trusted adult, grandparent, aunt or uncle who can offer support. There may also be someone at your school who is available to talk to such as a guidance counselor or someone else who helps students cope with stressful situations. Your primary care provider is also able to help by finding a specially trained person such as a social worker or psychologist that you can talk to about your family situation. Talking with someone can help you find solutions to problems that you might not have thought of on your own.