Everyone knows that divorce affects more than just the parties involved. Children, friends and extended family members are all impacted when a marriage dissolves. Grandparents are one group that must also adjust to the changes a divorce brings. They often feel caught in the middle, wanting to side with their children while also needing to maintain a relationship with their former son or daughter-in-law to facilitate a continued close relationship with the grandkids.
There are some ways that grandparents can be useful during a divorce, helping ease stress rather than create more. For one thing, children who have a good relationship with their grandparents can talk to them about the divorce when they may not feel like talking to their parents. Sometimes it can be easier on kids to have someone outside their parents to talk to, someone who understands the problem but is somewhat outside the dispute. Keeping communication open is critical, but it’s also important to clear the conversation ahead of time with parents to avoid saying something you shouldn’t have.
Grandparents have a tremendous advantage in talking with children because they’re obviously close family members, but are not tied to the emotional conflicts of the divorce. Having someone that the kids can speak to openly about their feelings can serve as a great pressure release for children worried about the consequences of divorce.
Divorce is an emotionally exhausting time for many family members, something that experienced family law attorneys understand well. Divorce is a sensitive subject and hiring an attorney who understands just how important the issue is to your family can be a real benefit during the midst of trying times.
Source: “How Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren Adjust To The Challenges Of Divorce,” by Rosalind Sedacca, published at HuffingtonPost.com.