In more recent years the divorce rates in America have skyrocketed to incredible levels. Children from broken homes and single parents are becoming regular scenes nationwide.

Some statisticians say that nearly half of all marriages in America end in divorce, yet according to www.family.org, this is simply a myth.

“Divorce is too common in America and that should not be taken lightly, but those who are committed to a lifetime of marriage don’t need the discouragement accompanying the notion that half the marriages are going to self-destruct anyway,” Rich Buhler writes in his 2004 article, “Is It Really 50 Percent?”

Students notice these startling trends increasing rapidly each year.

“I think it’s really sad that couples don’t hold true to their vows,” Laurel Hutton, ’05, said. “Marriage is forever, no matter if you’re a Christian or not. Divorce should not even be an option in marriage. Couples should learn to work it out and simply love. A promise is a promise.”

Students’ opinions differ on the importance and relevance of divorce in families.

“If after a while you discover you’ve married the wrong person you should get a divorce,” Nate King, ’05, said. “There’s no use in being around someone you don’t love. Plus at the high school age I don’t think kids care as much if their parents are not together anymore.”

In viewing these trends, professionals notice the more prominent reasons for separation and divorce nationwide.

“I have found that the largest reason for divorce is the fact that couples simply don’t understand what love means to them before they enter into their marriage,” Dr. Gordon Ogden, licensed marriage and family counselor in Fresno, said. “The media distorts our thinking. It bombards us with the false impression that marriage is a fairy tale.”

The disappointment that comes with divorce is emotionally crushing for younger generations.

“When children see their parent’s marriages struggling, their childhood fantasies are crushed,” Ogden said. “They discover that their parents are simply human.”

For more information students and parents can contact the high school office at 299-1695, ext. 5, or go to www.family.org, www.divorcenet.com and www.focusonthefamily.com.