When a divorce takes place in New Jersey, the children are greatly affected, sometimes even more so than the parents. In those cases, it is important that members of the extended family rally together to provide emotional support. Grandparents in particular may play a significant role in the healing process. According to The Attached Family, grandparents benefit children in a variety of ways. Not only do they offer emotional support, but they may also provide social stability during a very uncertain time in the children’s lives. Close, regular interaction with grandparents may even help prevent the negative psychological effects that some children face in adulthood as a result of their parents’ divorce.
In order for grandparents to have a lasting positive effect on their grandchildren, however, they typically need consistent contact. Regular time spent together allows for the growth of an emotional bond. As a result, the children may feel more grounded, since they know they have the unconditional love and support of their grandparents.
According to Parenting, grandparents may provide positive examples for how to deal with life’s struggles. Children may grow socially and emotionally by watching an older person who has experienced much throughout life and gleaned wisdom along the way. Grandparents often teach lessons about kindness, love and selfless interaction with others. Additionally, children may learn from their grandparents’ examples how to cope with difficulty and handle their emotions in a constructive manner. Grandparents can provide children with a link to their family history, offering them hope that although life is changing drastically, they are still part of a family, and they will always be loved.