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Why “Staying For the Kids” Is Such Bad Advice
If it’s a choice between staying in a traumatizing, stressful environment or two households where the kids can feel happy, safe, and cared for, the latter is much better
I have a dear friend that tells me she is so proud of me for exiting a toxic marriage while my kids were very young. I cherish her so much because it is a rarity to be told this especially if you have young children. Anyone who has gotten divorced knows what I am talking about.
She is now in her 40s and has her own children. She is in a loving marriage with a guy he calls her best friend. She jokes that she actually really likes him even after all of these years of marriage. Being around them you can tell they have a wonderful, loving relationship.
Growing up, her parents marriage did not resemble this at all. There was constant fighting, yelling, drama, and chaos. Her mom and dad did not go a single day without fighting and arguing.
For her growing up, it was a completely chaotic and a very stressful living environment. She did not want to be at home and have to deal with the constant fighting. Once she was in high school she starting going over to friend’s houses and tried to spend as little time at home as…