I KNOW I'm doing the right thing

Some stats taken from a blog by Dr. Laura.

Children living in homes with unrelated adults are nearly fifty times as likely to die of inflicted injuries as are children living with their bio-parents. (Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005). Children of single parents had a 77% greater risk of being harmed by physical abuse than children living with both parents (National Incidence Study, 1996). Children living in stepfamilies, or with single parents are at higher risk of physical or sexual assault than children living with their bio-parents (University of New Hampshire’s Crimes Against Children Research Center). Girls whose parents divorce are at significantly higher risk of sexual assault, regardless of which bio-parent they live with (Family Law, Washington and Lee University).

These stats are REAL. This was a real factor in my choices within my life & most definitely my marriage. I think they should not be dismissed or taken lightly. Divorce hurts children in more ways than one & I think in more ways than many of us adults really want to admit.

Sometimes a divorce is completely unavoidable. I won't go into that. But it's disgraceful that more "Christian" marriages are ending in divorce than secular ones. (%52 vs %50) WHAT are we doing to our children? Talk about a ME generation. For many, divorce is mostly a means to 'upgrade'...because? *I'm* not happy. {pout, pout}

Well, when I chose to have children, I chose to commit to them, to meet their needs above my own, not the other way around. So what if *I* am tired, so what if *I* don't feel happy. My kids made no commitment to meet MY needs, it is not their responsibility. WHO is the adult here? kwim?

I believe children do not care if their parents are happy, they care that they can be secure & carefree & see their parents together. Don't give me the 'parents fighting in front of children is detrimental' argument either--so DON'T fight in front of your kids. You wouldn't make a scene like that in the grocery store, so don't in front of your children either.

We choose to be civil in a myriad of situations everyday, we can do that just as well @ home. AND if 2 people can 'co-parent' effectively, like so many programs now focus on, then they very well CAN be married together @ home too.

I believe all of this & it influences my choices & decisions.

If you have NO other reason for staying married & 'keeping it together'...'for the kids' is a DARN good one!!!!