Surely you've heard that children who grow up with both parents in the same household are less likely to be at risk for mental, physical, educational and social problems. I've even heard that they're just more successful and happy all around, but is that actually accurate for every case?
About 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce eventually. That's a lot, isn't it? Yes, it's sad and disappointing, but I think that if having your parents married and both in the same house is the key to being successful, then most of the United States' population would have no chance in life at all. Just think about it. Is it really better for a child to be in a household with parents who don't even speak to each other or who yell and fight all the time just as long as their parents aren't divorced? I don't think so. In fact, I think that is much worse for the child because they would be in a constant stressful environment.
For instance, my parents have been divorced since I was four. I graduated high school in the top 10 percent of my class of 240 students. I'm only in my second year of college and I am in a professional program. I've made a 4.0 every semester. I also balance a job while going to school successfully. I don't have any of the above listed problems. Do you know why?
I am a successful 19 year old because my parents are who they are- not because they stayed married. They are both wonderful parents, and they communicated civilly while I was growing up so they could be what I needed. They both work harder than anyone I know so my other siblings and I never have to know what it's like to go without anything we need. They've both taught me important life lessons and have taught me how to be a respectful, functioning person, too.
There are times when I wonder what it would have been like to grow up with them married, but it's just out of curiosity and not longing. I don't feel like I have missed out on anything or haven't developed myself to my full potential because they are divorced. Honestly, it was for the best because if I grew up with them unhappy with each other all the time, that would have been scarring and I would have been miserable.
So, in short, I guess what I'm really trying to point out is that if the parents are mature enough and handle it the correct way, a divorce won't ruin their children. Don't automatically assume that this is the worst thing that could happen for the child or children because it might end up being the best for them in the long run.
