Ten Ways to Help Your Grandchild Through a Divorce.


  1. Don’t disparage your ex-son or daughter-in law in front of your grandchildren. Make sure they are not in earshot when talking about their parents on the phone as well.
  3. Be a good listener. Your grandchild may be surrounded by chaos and angry adults, you may provide the only place where they can really feel heard. You are someone who has the time to listen without trying to “fix” it. A loving ear can get a child through a lot!
  4. Set up your expectations for their behavior before they arrive. You will probably have different rules than their parents do, children can adapt so long as these rules are specifically stated (writing them down is a great idea). A household where there are five compliments to every directive (i.e. “get your feet off the coffee table”) is an environment where children will thrive. A reward based “star chart” can help make this easier.
  6. Don’t sabotage agreements set up by either parent. If one parent has made arrangements for the child to attend a special class (dance, soccer, etc.) make your plans accordingly. If the child knows they must finish their homework before they can go out to play, don’t let them off easy just because you feel sorry for them in their situation.
  7. Let your grandchildren know however they are feeling is OK. Many children are told that they “shouldn’t” feel this or that or adults feel guilty that a child is in pain so they try to talk them out of it. This only adds to the child feeling unheard. Even wanting their parents’ back together is a normal desire or children in this circumstance.

10. Read together during a quiet time before they go to bed or in-between activities during the day. Reading children’s books about feelings or how other children have coped with the upheaval of divorce will help them find words to ask you the questions they need to have answered. My Parents Still Love Me Even Though They’re Getting Divorced, is a story/workbook that helps children better understand divorce and what they can do to feel better. This book can be obtained at Amazon.