In my experience (two mothers, three fathers, one change of family and adoption) it has rather harmful consequences when parents try to stay together "for the sake of the kids". That rarely works, and it places the child in the position of envoy and mediator which produces its own form of neglect and emotional turmoils thereof. Rather, people should separate responsibly, quickly, and don't treat their children as the reason for inconvenience or cause of the breakdown of the relationship. Thus, separation and divorce I understand. What I do not understand is the time it takes until parents go through with the separation.