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Grandparenting Q&A

Grandmother walking with grandchildren in forest

Grandparents Threatened to Either Support Transgender Grandchild or Be Cut Off

Our grandson is being supported by his parents (our daughter and son-in-law) to “transition” to a girl. They say that if we don’t call him by his new female name, they’ll cut us out of their lives. We don’t know where this is coming from or what to do. How do we show them love …

concerned older woman on phone, younger man in background

Worried That Son-in-Law Isn’t Caring for His Family

As a parent and grandparent, should I step in to help if I feel that my son-in-law is not caring properly for my daughter and my grandchildren? What makes this especially difficult is that his actions (or lack thereof) could put his family’s safety at risk. For example, he constantly forgets to put oil in …

grandmother with young grandkids

Explaining a Grandparent’s Affair to Children

How do I tell my young children (ages eight, seven, and four) that their grandparents – my husband’s mom and dad – are splitting up as a result of Grandpa’s involvement with another woman? Since these grandparents live out of state, we only see them every three to four months or so. We don’t plan …

Grandma and grandbaby

Grandparent Concerned About Health Conditions in Grandchild’s Home

Is it my place to get involved if I’m convinced that the physical environment in my son’s house has become unsafe and unhealthful for my grandchild? I love my son and daughter-in-law, but I’m worried about their ten-month-old daughter’s health. The house is piled with trash, the floors are filthy, there’s month-old pizza stuck to …

grandma helping mom holding baby

Grandparent Eager to Help

How can I play an active and positive role in my grandchild’s life while still respecting appropriate boundaries with my son and daughter-in-law? I’m excited to help, but I realize how easy it can be for new grandparents to wear out their welcome. Any tips or advice?

Little girl smiling between grandparents

Grandparents Show Favoritism

What’s the best way to handle grandparents who play favorites? For many years my parents have been partial to our oldest child. At first their favoritism showed itself in small ways, but now our youngest child has noticed and is beginning to ask questions. How can we best address this situation?