Struggling with split

This is where Grandmas really come into their own - a stable and loving rock for the GC.

Can I just say that a relationship with the son's girlfriend depends entirely on her and the OP won't be able to do it if the girlfriend doesn't want to know her. That doesn't mean she can't have a great relationship with her GD. Sons should take 50% responsibility for a child now and share all the caring. Your GC will be fine Seanc she may find moving from one parent to the other a bit upsetting, she may have times when she is very upset. Just keep reassuring her that she is loved by you all. I also think it helps to say that mummy and daddy will hopefully be happier on their own and so will be able to take better care of her.

My DD split with her husband and came back to England with her two children, leaving him in Australia. He didn’t want to come back. The children were 8 and 11 at the time, and having their whole lives turned upside-down was very confusing for them.
However, my DD was careful never to criticise their father,and made sure that they had regular internet chats with him. He came to visit as often as possible.
There was a big hiccup when he found a new GF and brought her over, and the children were upset when he said he was getting married. It’s amazing how resilient children are, though. They grew to accept the situation and have a good relationship with everyone now.
Your GD, with luck, and a big effort from both her parents, will come to terms with the situation. Children are very accepting if they know that they are loved.

It's such a difficult time. I was in the same situation when my daughter's marriage suddenly ended. Amongst all the upset, my daughter tried to keep everything as stable as possible. She asked if her husband could have access visits at my house, so it was as normal as possible. I told my son-in-law he was welcome to stay over night with the children as he was couch hopping at friends houses. We took the kids to the park and out for meals...all the normal things. I'm not saying it was easy, but my son-in-law and I forged a new type of relationship. Both my daughter and son-in-law are in established relationships with blended families and I still have contact with him now some 8 years later.
It's not easy in the early days of the breakup, but just because your son has split from from his wife doesn't mean the end of your relationship with your daughter-in-law....just a different one. Keep providing happy memories for your granddaughter and she'll move through this difficult time.
Best wishes

I’ve also experienced this with my eldest son and his partner. Sadly it took several court dates for him to get access to his baby daughter. 12 years on things are a lot more civil and all sides of the family were able to attend my granddaughter’s 13th birthday party. She often says how luck she is to have all the extra adults to love and care for her

Mine was a bit younger but I think now she can barely remember when they were together - it becomes the norm, and they adapt

My grandson and his partner split earlier this year, they have an almost 3 year old son. While it was a shock to us my husband and I decided to not take sides and to just be there for our great grandson who spends alot of time with us. Things gave settled down now and it is easier
This is what I suggest you do, be neutral, be there for your granddaughter and give her someplace where nothing has changed. It is hard but children are adaptable and things will get easier.

I know exactly how you fell Seanc My heart is still breaking for my granddaughters.

My son and his wife split up at the beginning of the year. They have two daughters age 8 and 3 and just when I wanted to wrap my arms around them all Covid came along and put a stop to it.

However, almost a year on and the 8 year old seems to be coping (the 3 year old has been fine) The parents are still talking which helps I think. Christmas is going to be difficult though.

As others have said all you can do is be there for them

be there for her - you will all get through it

I also know how you feel. I was devastated when our only son and DIL split this past year. I think I was more upset than either of them! Due to the fact that this was one more stressor in my life (DH has cancer, the pandemic, son lost job due to the pandemic, he struggles anyway with depression,) I am in counseling and take a low dose antidepressant - both help. Fortunately, DS and exDIL are determined to keep things amicable and DGS who is 4 simply moves easily between the two households now that DS lives with us - we comprise a bubble of 5. A few weeks ago I even went away for two days with ex DIL and left the “menfolk” to fend for themselves. She has no parents so I think she’s invested in keeping our relationship good at least for now. Things I have read here are very heartening and encouraging that this CAN be done well and DGS doesn’t need to suffer unduly. As with many things, time will help especially if over time you see that it’s working out okay. My best to you and family.

If you can maintain a close relationship with your GD, she will have stability in her life which she might not otherwise have. My GD1 had a rather unstable home life as my DS and her mum never lived together and eventually he went to work on the Continent. However, I had a wonderful relationship with her and her half brother. She had the kind of mother who never came to school events like concerts and carol services, but I did. She is now almost 29 and says I was the most important person in her life. Of course, she now has her own life to live, but she's still 'my girl'.

Seanc I do know what you’re going through. Our youngest son and girlfriend split when granddaughter was two years old. Broke my heart in private but worked hard at supporting both and making a good relationship with the mum, luckily I loved her too.
Now 11 years on granddaughter is as beautiful as ever, well adjusted and happy due partly to her own resilience and partly to her parents working as a team in spite of living 100 miles apart.
We kept out of all the emotional stuff in the beginning, didn’t take sides and didn’t comment. Just carried on loving them all. Had to bite our tongue at times but glad we did. They will all be hurting but your granddaughter will be fine, children adapt well as long as they know they are loved from all sides.

I'm so sorry this has happened. It's unfortunately the way of the world now. My grandson told me that nearly all of the kids in his class had parents who were no longer together. In time you and your lovely little grand d will get used to it.
Speaking from experience better this way than living in a bad atmosphere or listening to rowing parents.
You will be her ROCK .

Well my son is loving life and his ex girlfriend has come out as lesbian. They’re still close and my GD is okay. Ain’t life weird ??‍♂️

It’s always a bit sad when a relationship ends but don’t worry for your granddaughter children are so adaptable and she has two loving parents and as it’s an amicable ending they are obviously good parents and will work it out she will see them both and hopefully have double the fun
Much much better than being under one roof unhappily or with nastiness
My grandkids daddy died when they were 6 and 4

It seems the adults are happy so I’m sure your little granddaughter will be fine. No need for your worries after all. Happy Christmas.