Anyone who has lived through a divorce, whether their own or their parents, will no doubt tell you how utterly heartbreaking this is.
What is worse, is that it is often most hard for those who really have no fault or say in things in the first place – the children.
Often, divorce can cause feelings of bitterness and resentment between the two people involved, where blame and hurt and angry words are exchanged and said out loud, adding to the devastation this family breakdown is for the children.
But this doesn't always have to be the case.
When American dad Billy Flynn kept getting asked – and teased even – by his friends and family for always helping and being around for his ex-wife, he eventually took to Facebook to explain why he does what he does.
And his answer will stop you in your tracks.
Here is his post in full:
"It's my ex-wife's birthday today so I got up early and brought flowers and cards and a gift over for the kids to give her and helped them make her breakfast. Per usual someone asked me why the hell I still do things for her all the time. This annoys me. So ima break it down for you all.
I'm raising two little men. The example I set for how I treat their mom is going to significantly shape how they see and treat women and affect their perception of relationships. I think even more so in my case because we are divorced. So if you aren't modelling good relationship behaviour for your kids, get your shit together. Rise above it and be an example. This is bigger than you.
Raise good men. Raise strong women. Please. The world needs them, now more than ever."
