Yes, that's a valid situation. I tried to address that it's especailly difficult when one of the parents is abusive. In that case, staying together isn't an option. But leaving can be tough too because an abusive parent can sometimes do even more damage from a distance.

When I lived abroad, the family relationships seemed to be much better. I think the American psyche has become a problem and our country refuses to recognize it. Teen suicide, school shootings, the impossiblity of improving your lot in life... the list goes on.

After writing this one, I realized that I just had more questions than answers and I certainly don't have any solutions. I guess mainly I just want the bad parents to be aware of what they're doing, but of course they never recognize their flaws.