Dear Kay,
I have had guardianship of my grandson for over a year now. The maternal side of the family has spent very little time with him, 72 hours in a year to be exact. My question is: the grandmother has asked to spend some time with him unsupervised by me. If my grandson throws a fit and doesn’t want to go should I make him? or should I insist she be a more active part of his life before taking him away from his home for visits? The last time he saw her was June 8. I only want what is best for my grandson!
Thank you in advance for your help.
Trust your instincts. It sounds to me like you already know what you would be comfortable with and that is insisting on more time spent with him.
If his other grandma has his best interests at heart she will know that spending time with a stranger is not the best idea. That she needs to spend more time with him and you being there should not be an issue unless you are not taking a back seat while he is spending time with her. Try it together and then as you all get more comfortable you can back out and let her forge her own relationship with her grandchild.
You are very welcome and Thank God for Grandparents!
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
