How do I deal with parents who argue 24/7?

[Tanya]

My parents are still married, but they seem to not get along at all. They threaten a divorce a few times, but they never got around to it. I fear that the day when they divorce comes because I'm 17 and I'm about to graduate high school this year. They also cross the line in their argument by blaming stuff on me and my siblings too. It is worse when they blame stuff on each other! My mental condition is in poor state right now because I feel that I have to listen to their arguments instead of ignoring them. I tried drowning them out by locking my door and listen to music, but they seem to scream me and my siblings' names in their argument. I also tried to see if they stop arguing if I was in the room, but it only made things worse. Me and my siblings are fed up with our parents' arguments, but I'm the one who is most influenced by the situation. What should I do in this life and after?

 

[FLmom]

Sweetie, I'm so sorry you are being subjected to that. I also grew up in a household where my parents screamed at each other at all hours of the day and night, in the house, out in public, etc. They even got physical sometimes. It is so painful, especially when you feel that they are blaming you. Please hear me when I say this...You're parents problems are NOT your fault! As hard as that may be to believe, try to hold on to that fact. Unfortunatley there is nothing you can do to stop their fighting, however if they are getting physical with each other at all you can call the police. I had to do that a few times and it was very scary, but shortly after that my parents divorced. I think it was the wake up call they needed. You can't call the police if they aren't physical though. It's hard to listen to it and not be able to do anything about it. You could try talking to them about it honestly sometime, but not when they are fighting of course. Sometime when things are calm and quiet maybe you and your siblings could approach them together and let them know how much their screaming affects you, especially when you hear them use your names. Maybe they are so wrapped up in their own problems and emotions they just don't realize what they are doing to thier kids. You said you are about to graduate, just try to hang in there until you do and then go away to college! Get out of there and start your own life off right. Vow to yourself that you will do better for yourself and for your own kids than what they have done for you. In the mean time, sleep over friend's houses as much as possible, and buy and Ipod and crank it up when they are screaming! Just remember, NONE of it is your fault!!!