Should Your Children Be Told The Reason For Your Divorce?

Children hear arguments, but they also see parents stay together, even when there is tension in the house. In some households, bickering is a normal part of the day, and some children assume its a natural part of married life. But there is a point when a married couple decides its just not working and they choose to divorce. Children are torn apart inside. They always hope that their parents will somehow work it out, even when violence, alcohol or drug abuse is involved. Sometimes couples choose not to discuss the issues surrounding a divorce with their children, particularly if the issues are painful and could cause one partner to lose the children's respect. Small children may be aware of unhappiness in the home, but may not understand all of the reasons why.  Should children be told why a family is breaking up, even if it involves infidelity  or some other issue of betrayal? Or should parents keep their reasons private so as not to cause children to take sides in the conflict or develop hostility towards one parent?