When Grandkids Get Caught in High Conflict

In this episode of It's All Your Fault, Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter tackle questions from grandparents struggling to support grandchildren amidst high conflict co-parents.Protecting Kids from Raging Co-ParentsFirst, they advise how grandparents can help shield kids from a raging, unstable parent. Recommendations include teaching emotional regulation, self-checking, and conflict management skills. Stay positive about the high conflict parent.Co-Parenting with a Difficult Ex Long-TermNext is guidance for co-parenting long-term with a high conflict, accusatory ex. Bill emphasizes staying calm, balanced, and solution-focused. Praise successes. Accept the limitations on your role as a grandparent.Getting an Expert Evaluation for CourtThen Bill explains why expert testimony is critical for custody cases with a parent with tendencies like factitious disorder or personality disorders. Experts can explain the need for detailed custody orders.Minimizing Damage as Kids Grow UpFinally, they discuss how to minimize damage as kids mature and become more aware of a high conflict parent’s extreme behaviors. Expose kids to reasonable role models and encourage their insights.Key Takeaways:Teach kids emotional regulation and critical thinkingStay positive about the high conflict parentGet expert testimony for custody casesAccept your limited role as a grandparentFocus on providing stabilityThe key is accepting your limited role as a grandparent, focusing on your own behavior, and providing a stabilizing presence for grandchildren. Get support from other grandparents going through similar challenges.Links & Other Notes:COURSESErasing Family Documentary with Resist/Refuse Commentary from Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq.Resistance, Refusal and the Child’s BrainNew Ways for Families (course for parents in divorce/separation/co-parenting)BOOKSDon’t Alienate the Kids: Raising Resilient Children While Avoiding High-Conflict DivorceNew Ways for Families: Professional GuidebookNew Ways for Families: Parent WorkbookHigh-Conflict Co-Parenting Survival GuideSplitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality DisorderVIDEOSThe Primitive Emotional Power of AlienationAlienation is Not NormalOvercoming the Contagious Emotions of AlienationARTICLESIs Your Child Alienated?Our website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/Submit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior. (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault (00:34) - Grandparents and High Conflict (00:58) - Question One (15:18) - Question Two (21:59) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Workplace Conflict