To Stay or Not to Stay

Child, Youth Issues > Effects of Divorce
Child, Youth Issues > Family Issues
Psychology > Child and Adolescent

An argument that a divorce between a couple is sometimes better for their children than maintaining an unhappy marriage.

1,124 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that partners involved in a tumultuous marriage should not remain together only for their children, since the elevated level of conflict damages children more than separation. The paper relates that in such marriages, the parental focus no longer centers on the key tasks of parenting and the loveless unhappiness denies the children the fulfilling family relationships they need and desire. The paper therefore concludes that usually, the decision to end a drowning marriage benefits everyone in the long run and therefore stands as the lesser of two evils.

From the Paper:

"Marriages comprised of two incompatible parents, who tediously struggle daily with the monumental challenge of holding their family together, exist throughout the suburban neighborhoods and sprawling cities of America. These couples have chosen to try to keep their relationships afloat, despite their problems and issues, in an attempt to maintain stability for their children. Perhaps they believe that the potential negative effects of separation and divorce make their avoidance efforts worthwhile. Whatever the basis of their reasoning, many feuding couples make a conscious decision to stay with one another for the sole reason of allowing their family to remain intact. Undoubtedly, deciding whether or not to seek a divorce presents numerous difficult choices for the couple. Is the decision to stay together for the sake of children ultimately the best option to choose?"

Sample of Sources Used:

Buehler, C. "How Marital Conflict Affects Children." National Stepfamily ResourceCenter. 29 October 2008. <http://www.stepfamilies.info/education/Articles/stepchldrn/conflicts.php>.
"Managing Conflict: Conflict--What's the Harm?" Raising Children Network. 29October 2008. <http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/parent_teamwork_skills_managing_conflict.html>.
Peters, R. "Should You Stay Together for the Kids?" Family Time with Ruth Peters-MSNBC. 29 October 2008.<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13924018/>.