Sometimes parents split up when they’ve been fighting and unhappy for a long time. Other times it seems to happen suddenly, when nothing seemed to be wrong, and it can be hard to understand why they have to split up at all.

There are many reasons why parents decide to split up—as many reasons as there are couples. And with each couple, there might be one big reason or a lot of smaller reasons.

Everyone has their own reasons, and whatever those reasons are, splitting up is never an easy decision. Parents usually try very hard to solve their problems before they decide to split up.

Here are some common reasons why parents separate or divorce:

• They grew apart: Maybe they were both very busy and rarely saw each other, a job or interest took them in a different direction, or one or both of them changed. Maybe the strong attraction they felt when they were first together has been lost, or they can't agree on anything anymore. Sometimes parents don't notice problems in their relationship until it's too late.
• Another relationship: If a parent falls in love with someone else, he or she might want to leave in order to be with that other person. Or the other parent might feel so let down that it’s impossible for them to stay together anymore.
• Hard times: Sometimes a relationship breaks down under the strain of problems like a severe illness in the family, a parent losing a job, or a lack of money. If there were already problems in the relationship, hard times can be the last straw.
• Addiction or violence: Addiction (to alcohol, drugs, or even to something like gambling) and violent behavior can cause problems in a relationship. You might have experienced some of the same things in friendships and relationships of your own.

If you're not sure what your parents’ reasons are for splitting up, you can always ask.

Your parents might be relieved that you asked and give you a direct answer, or they might want to keep their privacy. They might not be able to give you a clear answer because they're not all that clear about it themselves.

When you ask your parents why they’re splitting up, they might tell you things that you don't want or need to know. For example, one parent could say really hurtful things about the other parent. If that happens, tell the parent that it hurts you to hear this, and ask him or her to stop.

No matter what kind of answer your parents give you, the most important thing is that you are not the reason that your parents split up. It's not your fault!

Your parents are still your parents. They still love you, even if they don't love each other anymore.

Remember: Parents split up with each other because of problems in their relationship. They don't split up with or because of their kids.