Found out my dad is cheating on my mum

So I was looking through some pictures on my dad's phone, and a WhatsApp notification popped up at the top from a woman who was not my mum. Obviously thinking it was harmless I clicked on it, and I came across a mine of sexting and filth essentially between my dad and this other woman.

Now I know that around Easter time they had a serious talk about where the relationship was headed, and they decided that while they lacked something from when they started, they would stay together and make it work, not just for me (started uni last week) and my sister (just gone into Year 11) but because there was still something there. They both made compromises, my dad sold his sports car for something more sensible for example, and it seemed that they were headed in the right direction from what I could see.

But this has really messed me up. My parents are literally my 2 favourite people in the world and I never thought that either, especially my dad, had this in them. As I read the first few messages I was literally in floods of tears and I very rarely cry, and in fact I've just started to cry again..

I really have no idea what to do. I don't think my mum has any idea, and my sister would be absolutely torn apart if she found out anything like this was going on. For this reason I feel I have to keep it all a secret and not let them know, and hope that dad works things out and things all go back to normal, but it's only been an hour and I'm already struggling. Being away from home for the first time and not thoroughly enjoying uni is only making things worse.

Seriously, does anyone have any tips or advice on what to do here, I'm completely lost and empty

It's really difficult to say what you should do here. Basically you have two choices: a) tell your dad what you saw and talk about the situation with him and tell him how much it upsets you, or b) don't say anything and let your parents, both adults, work it out in their own time.

If I were you, I'd keep it to yourself. It's none of your business quite frankly, and telling someone what you saw may only lead to a worse, and more uncomfortable, situation. If you're really struggling with this (and uni in general), I'd go and see a counsellor to try and talk your problems through with them.

Whaaaaaat. I disagree with the comments I'm reading here.

You are just harbouring something that is always going to be the "elephant in the room". I do not think not saying anything is the best option. You are putting all that pressure on yourself and it is unfair to you. I would let your dad know that you saw the messages and encourage him to do the right thing, whatever that may be. But let him decide what that is as it is his marriage and his responsibility.

Also, don't let anyone tell you this is none of your business. Your dad's actions may eventually directly affect your family and their future including yours.

This.

The thing I would say is that if you do end up telling your mum or tell your dad to come clean or else , I personally would regret it, because I would know I was a catalyst in ending the marriage. As much as mum should know and dad is wrong for doing it, they are still your parents. It would cause more damage than you would think, especially if there has been previous difficulties in the relationship. Speak to a Councillor or someone else about it, or tell your dad that you know and that it is not on, and just hope he is faithful again.