Family Law

Suggestions to Help Deal With Your Former In-Laws

By Ben Stevens

When spouses get divorced, they usually end their relationship with their former in-laws.  However, if there are children involved, it is not always easy (or advisable) to do so.  Under normal circumstances, children benefit from relationships with both sides of their family.  So what's the best way to go about encouraging and fostering their relationship with your former spouse's family? Consider the following suggestions:

• Maintaining contact creates stability, and grandparents and other family members can help provide emotional support and the sense of belonging to children after a divorce.
• Although the grandparents may have taken your spouse's side during the divorce and you may be angry, remember it isn't about you – it is about your children.
• When your children see they are still allowed to attend functions with both sides of their family, they will realize that although some things have changed, not everything has.
• Remember that the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is special, and your children need the love and warmth their grandparents offer.
• Even if you can't stand being around your in-laws, don't cut them down in front of your children.
• Grandparents can give you a break from time to time, by keeping the children for a weekend or maybe even taking them on a little vacation.
• Grandparents may even be able to help a little financial help by taking the kids shopping for school clothes or treating them to a movie or lunch.

Source:  "Single-Parenting Challenge: Dealing with Former In-Laws" published at Dummies.com.

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on June 24, 2009 (boomark / email).