I’m worried my parents may split up soon – it’s stressing me out so much I can’t think straight

DEAR DEIDRE: THE worry that my parents may split up soon is stressing me out so much I can’t think straight.

I am a 16-year-old lad.

My parents have been together for 24 years but I don’t think they have been very happy lately.

My mum confided in me that she thinks there might be something going on between my dad and a woman who has just moved into our street a few weeks ago.

This woman is single.

My mum confronted him because he was acting strangely, going out at odd times and being on his phone much more than usual.

He’s even taken some calls in the garden.

My dad denied anything is going on but my parents are sleeping in separate rooms after they had a particularly horrible argument.

I had to go into my dad’s room recently to get something out of the wardrobe and saw he had information for flats to rent lying on his bedside table.

This freaked me out.

I am struggling to sleep and I can’t concentrate at school.

I am wondering whether I should tell my brother who lives with his girlfriend nearby but he has got enough on his plate.

What can we do?

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DEIDRE SAYS: I am sorry you’re suffering.

The thought of your parents splitting up can be devastating no matter how old you are.

Don’t keep this bottled up.

Talk to your mum and your dad about your fears and let them know how this situation is affecting you.

Ask your dad to be honest with your mum and ask them both to get relationship support.

Confiding in you isn’t healthy.

Remember if your dad has betrayed your mum, that is between them.

Your relationship is separate from that infidelity.

They both love you and life will go on.

My support pack Worried About Your Parents gives sources of help for you.