You have been with your partner for quite some time. You start to drift apart and then it happens. You have tried to repair your relationship, but you both come to the conclusion that it just cannot be repaired. There is too much damage there and too many sad, hurtful memories. You decide that it is best for the both of you to split apart.
You both part and go your separate ways, but you still have to see each other because there are children involved. You have to come to some kind of agreement about many difficult situations.
One of these situations involves your ex’s parents. If they have not been involved in the children’s lives this will be a piece of cake, but more often than not, they are involved. You want the children, of course, to have as few changes as possible. They still need visitation rights with their grandparents. You need to allow this for their sake, but what about you???
It is probably for the best to distance yourself a bit. You have been with this family for the entire time you were together with your ex so this is difficult, but you are starting a new life for yourself as a single person. You actually have to carry on two roles, you are mom to their grandchildren and you are also not married to their child anymore.
Where the children are concerned you can tell them all of the wonderful things that concern the children, if you choose to. Where you are concerned I would suggest that you not share too many personal experiences with them especially when it concerns stories involving the opposite sex. They do not need to hear it. That is a story to be saved for a close friend of yours.
Remaining friends with your ex’s family is wonderful. It is great for the children especially. You have to; however, know where to draw limitations on the relationship. The relationship between you and them has changed. It cannot be helped. It is inevitable and just another unfortunate circumstance of a split relationship. Try to make the best of it, be aware of it, and tolerate it for the sake of the children.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.