Is it possible for a child to stop their parents from getting a divorce? Probably not, unless that child knows that he or she is the main reason for a lot of the friction between them. Smaller children may worry that they are the cause of their parents' break-up, even if that isn't the case, but teen-aged children are well aware of the things that push parental buttons and start the arguments. If this is the case in your family, there may be something you can do to stop the divorce. Looking at your own behavior and eliminating reasons for the parental division may well have the effect you desire.

Parenting is a difficult job, and each parent has his or her own ways of getting the job done. Couples can have very different methods of child rearing and discipline, and unless they learn to present a cohesive front to the child, it can tear the family apart. Some kids use this division to their own advantage, playing one parent against the other in an attempt to always get their own way. Creating antagonism may work for the teen, but it's extremely damaging to the marriage. Therefore, if you know that you often use this technique for getting what you want, you can simply stop employing it and give your parents one less thing to fight about.

If you are exhibiting behaviors which cause one parent to defend you while the other thinks you should be disciplined, you're asking for a broken family. There are some issues that should never be defended by a parent, such as drinking, doing drugs, hanging with the wrong crowd, or being irresponsible, yet there are parents who go overboard in their thinking that their perfect child should never be disciplined. Besides, this type of behavior on your part can lead your parents to feel that they are failing in their parenting skills, and the negative feelings this creates can become a stumbling block in their marriage.

Keep in mind that you aren't entirely to blame for your parents marital difficulties. There are probably other issues that are beyond your control. Even if your parents always appear calm and together on the issues, there may be trouble brewing underneath the facade. If you know your behavior could be causing problems for them, now is the time to reassess and change. You undoubtedly have friends who live in broken homes, are shuttled back and forth between their parents, and who would give anything to have their families back together again, so think about them, and do whatever you can to keep your family harmonious and whole.