Buckle up. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride. Divorce can be highly traumatic, not only for the principals but also for children and even for grandparents. And grandparents aren’t immune from marital discord, either. Learning to see things from the point of view of other family members is key, but good communication skills are vital, too. Grandparents also must realize that their seniority in the family doesn’t grant them a license to make decisions for others. In their hearts, they feel they have the right to see their grandchildren, but the law doesn’t always agree. Some grandparents are sharing housing with their children and grandchildren. By so doing, they may save money. In addition, family members can cooperate to provide child care and eldercare. But with three or more generations under one roof, an occasional squabble may be inevitable. For some grandparents, taking care of grandchildren isn’t a part-time gig. Legal issues and financial strain top the list of hot issues for this group, but the emotional health and social needs of both the grandparents and grandchildren must also be considered. Many grandparents are also step-grandparents, mostly because they have an adult child who is a step-parent. Although tons of grandchildren have great relationships with their step-grandparents, the grandparenting role can be a little different.
