Adults causing mental,emotional distress to children.

In an ideal situation when a relationship breaks up we work hard to make sure that it doesn't effect the children, anymore than it absolutely has to.

As adults we chose to bring children into this world and they have a right to expect us to respect them and to try and do whats right by them.

The reality so often is somewhat different.

A situation can and does arise when children spending time with both parents, have to perhaps adjust to different rules,different values in each household.

And of course two sets grandparents, maybe more, it is an incredibly unsettling for them, a very confusing time.

How many of us have said something we shouldn't about the other adult?

Saying things like, "How stupid of Dad/Mum/Gran/Grandpa to let you stay up late," " What on earth does Dad/Mum/Gran/Grandpa think they are doing giving you that to eat,its so unhealthy."

All of those comments, and worse, are a disaster to a child.

They try so hard to please everyone and to stay loyal to everyone.

Which is why so many children of separated parents, find themselves being sent to counselling.

As adults there is no excuse, whatever is going on in our adult life, our responsibility is to the children.

We are and have let them down.

Damage done.

Jane

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk