Nathan was eight years old. He loved playing football and video games. At home he lived with his mum and dad. He felt happy and safe in that house, and he has never lived anywhere else.

One day Nathan began to notice that mum and dad were not as happy as they used to be. “Why do mum and dad argue and shout all the time? I wish they would be nicer to each other” he thought to himself.

One Wednesday after Nathan returned home from football club, his mum asked him to sit down.

“We want you to know that we love you very much” said mum.

“Mum and I have been arguing a lot lately and it isn’t fair on you” dad added.

Nathan was worried about what his mum and dad were going to say. He waited nervously for them to continue.

“Dad and I are splitting up and Dad will have a new house very soon. You will still get time with him and we will always be a family.” Mum sobbed.

Dad looked at Nathan and calmly said,

“This is what will make mum and I happy, so then we can focus on being there for you and not shout at each other anymore”.

“Do you understand?” asked mum.

Nathan nodded as tears began to fall from his eyes. “Why does this have to happen?” he thought to himself. “Will everything change now?” he worried.

For two weeks Nathan watched his Dad pack up some things from the house. Nathan felt sad, and was really confused how being apart would make everybody happy. 

However, another two weeks later Dad picked Nathan up from school and took him to a house. “This is my new house Nathan. This is where you will come and stay with me at the weekends” dad smiled.