Dear Cr-Abby from Big Brother

CHILDREN SUFFER AS WITNESSES TO PARENTS' CONSTANT COMBATDEAR ABBY: I'm a 13-year-old boy, and I have a 5-year-old sister. Our parents are together, but Dad's job was relocated to another state and he's gone most of the week. When he gets home, all he and Mom do is fight.The fighting puts a lot of stress on me. My sister asks me, "Why are Mommy and Daddy always fighting?" This makes me want to break into tears because I don't know what to tell her. Abby, please help me understand what to do in these situations. -- WORRIED BIG BROTHER

Dear Big Brother,

Usually Cr-Abby gives a smart Alec answer before a tad of advice comes through. Can't say I have the heart to stick to the strategy this morning. First know that there is nothing you can do as to your parents interaction and as I hope you know it has nothing to do with you or your sister.Separation and relocation are two of the four hardest things a marriage can endure. Your parents argue because they have passionate feelings on the subject of how best to manage the family.

As to what to tell your sister, I would say, two things....

1) Since dad is away so much maybe we can help mom not worry or stress so much by being helpful and good around the house.

2) Your parents are arguing over how best to provide for you and the family and to give everyone a good life...it is their caring that drives the passionate debate.

It's hard to listen to and sometimes things are said that neither one means...your parents will work this out in do time.Hang in there and if your parents are arguing during the daytime, just go in the backyard and play a game with your sister.

Good Luck,

Cr-Abby the soft-shelled crustacean