DEAR ABBY: I'm 12, and for the last five months my family hasn't been getting along. We act like we love each other, but I'm not so sure. My mom and dad have been fighting. I saw something Mom left on our computer she had been looking at, and the title was "How to Let Go of Emotions During the Divorce Process." I don't know if my parents are getting a divorce or not, but it's slowly tearing my family apart, and I don't know what to do. What can I do to prevent it? -- CONFUSED PRE-TEEN
DEAR CONFUSED: Tell your mother you saw the article she left on the computer, and ask her if she and your dad are separating. If the answer is yes, tell her you hope they're getting counseling.
It is important you understand that while they both love you, they have reached a point where their relationship may no longer be working. Much as you might like to, there is nothing you can "do" to head this off because their problem has only to do with them and not you.