Broken Family

Family breakups affect people differently

Everyone affected by the family breakup will have their own feelings about the situation. You may feel: * Upset * Relieved * Angry with the person who decided the family can no longer live together.
The family split may be even harder for you if you have to move house as a result. This is especially true if you have to move from your area, and change schools or lose touch with friends.
Common concerns

Family breakups can lead to a number of concerns over: * Fighting between your parents * Discipline issues * Disputes with brothers and sisters * The need for time and affection from both your parents * The need for greater independence if you are a teenager * Getting into trouble for various misdemeanours * How the breakup is affecting other family members.
Making sense of the breakup

There are some things you can do to try and make sense of the family breakup. * Ask your parents why they have decided to stop living together. Think carefully about when is the right time to ask this question. If someone is upset or emotional, it may be best to wait until they are calm. * Tell your parents who you would prefer to live with. * Ask your parents not to take you aside individually to talk about their problems with each other. * Try to maintain your relationship with each parent separately. * Talk to other family members about how you feel.
It will take a long while for you - and everyone else in the family - to adjust to the change in the family relationship. Everyone in the family will also need to make an effort to make things