Guilty

I feel guilty

’When my dad comes round to get my sister and me I make sure my mum isn't looking when I give him a hug. I feel really bad because I still want to see my dad even though I know my mum says he's not really a nice person. I feel guilty because I should be on my mum's side now that she is on her own.’
Georgia, 10

Lots of children feel guilty when their parents split up. Some children think that if they had kept their bedroom tidier, been nicer to the dog or looked after their baby brother more, their parents would not have split up.

This is just not true! Children are never responsible for their parents' decision to split up. You do not have to feel guilty. It is not your fault.

Talk magic

If you hold these huge feelings inside, they will grow bigger and bigger and make you feel really horrible.

Feeling better

It will help a lot to talk to someone about how you feel. (Mum, Dad, a friend, anyone close to you.) Putting your thoughts into words will make you feel better anyway. It will help you to see you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Remember, it’s not your fault.