Divorce is 'better for kids'

Divorced parents said their children were happier

Parents struggling in an unhappy marriage should divorce for the sake of the children, according to a new poll.

A study of 1,000 people revealed 64% believed divorce was better for the children than living with squabbling parents, and 75% believed it was just part of modern life.

The results of the survey for women's magazine Bella contrast with social studies 10 years ago which showed divorce was believed to traumatise children, causing long-term psychological problems.

It would be a tragedy if couples gave up too easily and didn't work hard enough to resolve conflicts

Jackie Highe, Bella

Almost seven in 10 people interviewed said children suffered when they saw parents argue.

More than 40% of people who had actually divorced or separated said their children seemed happy after the break-up.

Bella editor-in-chief Jackie Highe said the poll showed divorce was here to stay.

"In many cases it is, of course, better for parents to split up," she said.

"But, on the other hand, it would be a tragedy if couples gave up too easily and didn't work hard enough to resolve conflicts that would keep the family together."

Two in five marriages end in divorce

Only 14% said couples should stay together no matter how miserable the marriage was.

Relate counsellor and spokesperson Luck Selleck said it was tough for everyone living in an unhappy relationship.

"It is extremely distressing to divorce but if it is well-managed and children keep in contact with both sides, then it would be the better and more adult thing to do," she said.

"There is no stigma to divorce today but having said that it still leaves its mark, without question initially, on those adults and children going through it."