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When Parents Divorce
Keeping Communication Alive with Your Grandchildren By Lisa Marie Metzler
Newman says a cooling off period when the tension is running high can yield positive results later. In time,Beth was able to visit more. Now she makes regular trips to visit her grandchildren every three months and calls every Sunday. She also sends gifts and cards to stay connected.
"Grandparents might want to attempt a phone call to the difficult parent to request a time with the grandchildren,"Newman says. She also advises to have a specific time and game plan. When making the visitation arrangements, be flexible and consider the needs of the parents and the grandchildren's schedule, too.
Gently remind the parent that the grandchildren are foremost in your mind and that you want to help make this uncertain time in their lives a little easier by spending time with them. "Grandparents offer security and stability in a world that is falling apart around the grandchildren," Newman says. "They have time and motivation to do things that focus on the grandchildren and can help provide supervision or care when it's difficult for either divorcing partner."
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