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Dealing with the "other" grandmother during divorce

(13 Posts)
Wyllow3 Thu 03-Nov-22 21:25:51

That was at the back of my mind. x

MissAdventure Thu 03-Nov-22 20:59:12

I would say it's almost certain that your son in law is putting his own slant on things.

He isn't going to make himself look bad.

Best to hold your tongue, though.

Grannie314 Thu 03-Nov-22 20:41:22

Wyllow3, you made me think - the SIL may be telling them things that are not true - causing them to withdraw at least for now. How sad is that.

Grannie314 Thu 03-Nov-22 20:34:20

I do have a great relationship with all three - they talk to me about everything, so I'll just be there for them and bite my tongue when they talk about the other grandmother. And, as it turns out the whole family of my ex SIL has not reached out to them - it's like their family is divorcing them.

Wyllow3 Thu 03-Nov-22 20:23:08

Oh Grannie314 so many other grannies have the opposite situation - no contact with loved grandchildren because of divorce. Its sad the "other" GP have withdrawn, but we never can really know what went on to bring this about due to the dynamics of the divorce.

for example - supposing it was you ex SiL intervened and insisted? Unknown to your DD?

You're right..hang on in there, talk to the grandchildren as if they are a reality, but that there has been hurt and give it time, etc etc if they ask xx

Grannie314 Thu 03-Nov-22 20:13:38

Thank you all for confirming what my brain knows to do - butt out and hope for the best. If my heart would just shut up!

lemsip Thu 03-Nov-22 19:45:11

well the grandchildren are as good as grown up so able to contact there grandmother if they want on their own.

Hithere Thu 03-Nov-22 19:42:55

Please step back and let both spouses deal with it.

Be there for your dd and gc, they have a lot to process.

Be Switzerland

icanhandthemback Thu 03-Nov-22 19:05:14

I have found that it is best not to try to fathom what the other grandmother is doing. So far she has fallen out with me without even speaking to me and refused to go to events if I was there. Whilst I agreed to take a back seat so the grandchildren could have her at events or come along after she had left, she kept mucking them around so my SIL put his foot down and told her to grow up. Over the years it has been quite obvious that she has been prepared to undermine my DD and SIL, will not fit into plans and cut off from the girls several times. I'm afraid that the girls will have to make their own decisions about their relationship with her. I get angry on their behalf but keep my lip firmly buttoned.

Fairislecable Thu 03-Nov-22 19:04:13

I’m sorry for this but you will need to hold your tongue, in order that your comments do not disrupt a delicate situation.

My daughter divorced and received a long text from the MIL which upset her. Luckily Granny was desperate NOT to lose her grandchildren.

As time has passed the relationship has settled into mutual agreement. I hope it all works out for your GC.

Sharp words help no one in this situation.

Grannie314 Thu 03-Nov-22 18:59:02

They are so heartbroken and angry, I am not sure they will warm to her if she does try to "come back". They are teenage (16, 19 and 21) girls.

midgey Thu 03-Nov-22 18:54:24

Perhaps when the divorce is settled she may reappear. I do hope so for the children’s sake.

Grannie314 Thu 03-Nov-22 18:47:33

Hi. My daughter is divorcing and the "other" grandmother has voluntarily estranged herself from "our" grandchildren. Once my daughter's spouse left the home, so did the communication from the other grandmother. I am furious because the children are heartbroken and angry. It's not my place to go after her, but I'd sure like to give her a piece of my mind. The divorce is still pending, so I am holding my tongue. Thoughts anyone?