FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Friends, families and carers

What to say to the grandkids

wildwomanCasual Contributor

What to say to the grandkids

Hi. Have only just found this forum, but it looks like there is a lot of knowledge, wisdom and experience out there.

I had a longer post here originally but I think I may have overshared. The situation we are in supporting my son and my grandkids is ridiculously complicated. Domestic abuse from his spouse, coercive control etc. So I'm going to simplify things. How do grandkids talk to kids about what is going on with parents with mental health problems when the kids are in an environment shaped by this and their lives are impacted, For example they are living in a hoarder house, not in a normal house as they once did.

2 replies

1 - 2 of 2
1

In response to: What to say to the grandkids

RadderSenior Contributor

Re: What to say to the grandkids

Hi @wildwoman, it sounds like a tough situation over which you have no control. I think the key is non-judgemental communication and listening to the grandkids options, with them knowing you are a reliable sounding board and support.

Emerging Minds have some articles that may give you some insight:

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/in-focus-talking-with-children-about-parental-mental-health-difficulties/

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-your-childs-understanding-of-your-mental-illness/

You could also try Relationships Australia https://www.relationships.org.au

In response to: What to say to the grandkids

wildwomanCasual Contributor

Re: What to say to the grandkids

Thanks. Some good resources in there

1 - 2 of 2
1

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.