Why am I unhappy?
Many things in your life have changed. One of your parents might not live with you. You may have moved house. You may be going to a new school and making new friends. Mum and Dad might have less money than before.
Even if these things haven't happened you probably feel different and you might find this hard to talk about.
Like a lot of other kids in your position you might be sad because you don't see one of your parents as much as you used to or as much as you want to.
You might be worried that Mum or Dad won't work things out and feel scared about what is happening.
Is it my fault?
Definitely not. It is not your fault if your parents decide not to live together. It means that they have grown in different ways and now they find it hard to remember good things they felt about each other. Parents may blame each other for the changes but the chances are that both have changed a lot and don't realise it.
Whose side am I on?
It is very easy to blame someone else when something goes wrong. We all do this sometimes. Usually it is not just one person's fault when parents separate, but there will be times when you are angry with one or both of them. Sometimes when parents are angry with each other they say things about each other that can upset children. Children don't usually like hearing bad things about their parents. Children often feel that both parents want them to be on their side in an argument. This can be confusing. Remember that although parents may no longer love each other they still go on loving their children.
What can I do?
Although you might not want to upset or worry your parents it is important to ask them questions. You should also tell them things that you don't like about what is happening, or things that worry you. Some children talk to other relatives or friends.
Writing a letter or making a phone call is a good way to keep in touch with the parent who does not live with you.
Parents who no longer live with their children really enjoy keeping in touch with them. It is also important to still do things that you enjoy, so tell your parents when you need to go to something, such as a party or a sporting event. They can take you just like when you all lived together.