The Christian Institute reports that NSPCC Scotland received over 600 calls about the issues to their ChildLine service in 2012-2013, a rise of 171%.
ChildLine Service Manager, Susan Dobson, said there were many family issues raised by children: “Some of these children need somewhere to vent, but for many they’re facing a really difficult time at home and are desperate for reassurance and a safe space to share their fears.”
One unnamed child, under the age of eleven, contacted the organisation and said: “When I spend time with my Mum I know that my Dad feels down and then when I go to see my Dad then my Mum will feel down.
“I find it really difficult to talk to them about it because I know it’s hard for them both but I hate feeling guilty all the time.”
Another said that she felt “stuck in the middle” and like she had to “make everyone else happy all the time”.
Earlier this year, the UK’s Law Commission said couples should be allowed to make legally binding pre and post-nuptial agreements – but critics say such pledges undermine the institution.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Mark Davies, said: “Should we not be putting our efforts into guarding and building-up the institution of marriage rather than steadily undermining it?”