My child has separated from their partner who will now not allow us to see our grandchildren. What can we do?

Despite the fact that your child is hurting and upset from the separation, it is very important that you do not allow yourselves to become involved in their dispute with their ex-partner. We advise that you try to remain as neutral as possible and be supportive of both parties ‒ for the benefit of the children. Try to arrange with the ex-partner to see the grandchildren on your own, making it ‘grandparent time’ rather than ‘grandparent plus mum/ dad time’. This may require you to be very firm with your own child, but it is equally important that you maintain contact with your grandchildren without being seen to be taking sides. Regardless of what you may think of your child’s ex-partner, they will always be a parent to your grandchildren and you should respect this.