Ten Ways to Help Your Grandchild Through a Divorce (provided by Dr. Lois V. Nightingale) 1. Don't disparage your ex-son or daughter-in law in front of your grandchildren. Make sure they are not in ear-shot when talking about their parents on the phone as well. 2. Remember holidays. An important role of a grandparent is to celebrate and help create memories. These celebrations may look different than you had once imagined for your family, but if you keep the grandchildren's interests first, you will be creating memorable and wonderful family traditions. (Even a home-baked box of cookies mailed at certain times of the year can become a cherished childhood sc divorce laws child custody lawyer memory that lets a child know they are always loved.) 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 washington child child custody lawyer 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. 5. Become the unbiased, non-judgmental confidant children need in a loving authority. Their parents may be too wounded emotionally and unable to be unconditionally present for them. A special relationship with a grandparent can make all the difference to a child facing change. 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 child custody lawyer child custody lawyer they
