Grandparents

When a son or daughter experiences a pregnancy, and the birth of a baby, this can be an emotional time for new grandparents.  Their own pregnancies or child-bearing issues may be triggered - issues that have perhaps never been spoken about.  Relationships with their children and children-in-laws change, and confusing or difficult emotions can arise around roles, responsibilities and expectations.  In the tragic event of a loss, grandparents can be deeply affected, but they often feel the need to be strong for their children.  This can mean that their feelings of loss go unacknowledged, which can be particularly difficult if they have experienced a loss too.

Network psychologists work with grandparents to assist them in their adjustment to the grandparent role, in managing expectations around their involvement/support, in dealing with concerns they may have about their children's adjustment to parenthood (especially when their daughter/daughter-in-law is experiencing a postnatal illness), and in dealing with the grief associated with the loss of a grandchild.