[Dawn17]

Okay my parents might get a divorce and me ( I can handle it) but what about my little brother who is only 5 years old. How might this effect him?

Dawn

[N0help4u]

Divorce effects kids in different ways
The best thing you can do is be there for him and be strong.

[artlady]

It is very sweet of you to be concerned for your brother.
Divorce is never easy on anyone.
Hopefully your parents can be friends and continue to support both you and your brother during this difficult time.
I would just let him know you understand what he is feeling and its quite all right if you don't feel very brave all the time either.
I wish you the very best.

[Enigma88]

Divorce does affect everyone differently. My parents got a divorce when I was 5 and all I did was cry a lot mostly because I didn't understand what was going all that my parents told me was that "daddy was moving and mommy and daddy didn't love each other any more". So it has a lot to do with what your parents actually tell him because my parents waited until I was in high school to tell me a lot. So like I said the main thing is how your parents really act about the whole thing.

[Dawn17]

But what If they split me and him up... I can't lose him like this because of their choice can I?

[stevetcg]

But what If they split me and him up...I can't lose him like this because of their choice can I?

That is an extremely rare thing, to split children up like that. If the issue comes up, you should address your feelings with your parents directly.

[jenniepepsi]

If you are afraid they will split you guys up deifnately talk to your parents about this. How will they know if it will affect you so deeply if you don't tell them.

[N0help4u]

You need to talk to your parents and ask them about getting you counseling if there is a chance of breaking you two up.
Generally a custody court order will keep you together unless there are serious problems.

[chiarav]

I agree with other users that you need to be strong for him as this will be extremely confusing for him to deal with.
However you also need to keep an outlet for your own feelings as you might find that you are bottling them all up later on. Hopefully you have a close friend or relative you can talk to, and always remember that this is not your fault. Make sure your brother understands that as well.
I obviously don't know your parents but you have to make it clear to them that you won't be put in the middle or used as a go between and you won't let this happen to your brother either. Believe me when I say that I know how much harm this can do to you.
The best thing you can do for your brother is stay close to him and make sure he knows he can come to you for comfort, and help him stay close to both of your parents so he doesn't miss out on anything with either of them.
Finally, I just want to say that you sound like an amazing sister to think of your brother's feelings and not just your own. Stay strong honey!!

[theduke2]

My parents got divorce when I was five. 1 trick is don't ever think your parents split up because of you or your brother. I went to a therapist and she helped me get through the whole thing. If you live in NYC her name is Laurie Ostraish. (I may have speeled it wrong)

[JustDontAsk23]

My parents divorced when I was really little, I was about 5 and my brother was about 3, and I used to keep it all inside and then some days I would just totally lose it and go all out asking questions about the whole thing. My advise is to just make sure you are there for your little brother, and that someone else is there for you too. Don't let it stay all bottled up if it ever gets that way. I always talked to my coach or 2 of my best friends. Just remember you have nothing to do with it and that it will all be OK in the end even if some days you don't know how you are going to ever get through it.