When children go through a divorce, it’s difficult for them. They have to adjust to new situations and may have their lives uprooted. They might find themselves in new homes or living alone with a mother or father and unable to see the other parent.
As a grandparent to a grandchild going through this, you want to help. There are, fortunately, some things you can do to help your grandchild adjust. Your relationship is special, because you aren’t involved in the divorce directly. Your grandchild may feel more comfortable talking to you, which can help him or her vent frustrations and worries.
How can you help when your grandchild is struggling with divorce?
The first thing is to stay in close contact with your adult child. You need to make sure your child is taking care of your grandchild adequately. To do that, your child also needs care and attention. Listen to your adult child’s problems and nurture him or her, so he or she can spend the time at home focusing on his or her child.
Try not to take sides when you talk to your child or grandchild. Even if you think the mother or father of the child is as evil as a person can be, it’s not appropriate to say so to their child. Try not to cause any further drama between the parents, since this will only come back in a negative way and could hurt your relationship with your grandchild.
There are plenty of ways to help your child during divorce and ways to make sure you stay connected to your grandchild. Our website has more information.