How should Nevada grandparents handle their child’s divorce? (2)

Last week, we wrote about the unique challenges facing grandparents when their adult children decide to divorce. The situation can be very delicate, and grandparents must find a balance between supporting their children and remaining on good terms with their child’s soon-to-be ex-spouse, who could very well stand in the way of the grandparents having any significant contact with their grandkids after the divorce.

Last week, we advised our Nevada grandparent readers to maintain a normal relationship with their grandkids, continuing with the same schedule and talking about the same things as they did prior to the divorce announcement. In many respects, grandparents want to do the same thing when dealing with their divorcing child. Of course, you will want to listen, sympathize and support your child through this difficult time, but make sure that you don’t say anything that could be construed as criticizing, demonizing or threatening their spouse. These comments are especially difficult to take back when the immediate emotions of the divorce dissipate and things settle down, and could jeopardize your relationship with the grandkids.

Similarly, it may not be a good idea to offer advice to your child. You don’t want to be blamed if that advice backfires and the situation grows worse. Also, it is important to empower your child to make his or her own decisions, because the people in relationships are really the only ones that truly know it.

So what should be a grandparent’s role in their child’s divorce? Of course, the situation varies from family to family, but in many situations a grandparent can be of the most help when they simply provide love to everyone involved in the split, encouraging positivity and remaining stable and supportive.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Grandparenting Well When Adult Children Divorce,” Marie Hartwell-Walker, Aug. 20, 2012

At our Las Vegas law firm, we help all family members who are affected by divorce. For more information, please visit our divorce page.