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Michigan parents who are going through a divorce process likely know that the situation can have an adverse effect on their children. Even though parents may try to ease the transition of divorce on their children, they may not be sure the best way to go about it. It can be vital to have an emotionally supportive system in place.
Many grandparents are filling this role more and more frequently as nontraditional families are becoming the norm. Divorced couples who share parenting duties frequently need help covering the hours while they’re working, so grandparents are helping care for children during the day. Grandparents also are the head of the household in many other instances where single parents have moved home after getting divorced.
There are also instances where grandparents have become the primary caregiver for their grandchildren. These instances can occur if neither parent is deemed fit when custody is awarded. Whether it’s filling a gap in childcare or as the primary caregiver, there’s no denying that grandparents are playing a larger role in a society made up of so many single parent households.
It is important that kids stay connected with both parents if possible. If it’s not, ensuring that the children have a dependable support system of some kind is crucial. Grandparents can more than adequately fill that role, helping children figure out how the family will move forward. They help keep routines in place, which makes children feel secure and cared for.
Another way Michigan parents and grandparents can help ease the divorce process is by reaching out to a mediator. Mediation occurs when the parents sit down to work through the details of the divorce with the help of a trained mediator, who can provide legal information and help guide the parents toward a compromise that is acceptable to each. Each divorce is as different as each family, and thus should be customized to suit the needs of the family. When the process gets trying, being willing to seek additional resources when needed can help parents find the best outcome.
Source: The Washington Post, As families change, grandparents are stepping in to take care of grandchildren, study says, Tara Bahrampour, Nov. 5, 2013