Kevin Kane

Some are seeking information on behalf of their son or daughter whose relationship has broken down.

Others are distraught because they themselves have been cut adrift from their grandchildren as collateral damage in their children’s dispute.

Yet others who have been main kinship carers for several years at the urging of social services have found themselves abruptly cast aside when the mother or father reappears in the children’s lives.

It is possible, though not easy, for grandparents to raise a child contact action in court in their own right to restore a relationship with their grandchildren. Sometimes the action is against their own children.

Shared Parenting Scotland chief executive, Kevin Kane, said: “Grandparents can be no less hurt at the abrupt termination or restriction of a relationship that has been part of a child’s life. Sometimes, unfortunately, grandparents feel forced to take sides on behalf of their son or daughter and against each other.

“However, we also see how grandparents can also be the voice of goodwill and good sense at a time of upheaval for children, reminding the mother and father of the importance of continuing as many as possible of the relationships their children have previously had with both sides of their family.

“Our New Ways for Families training is also open to grandparents. The training helps families communicate constructively and manage conflict without dragging children into the middle. The New Ways For Families skills can empower all generations, including grandparents, to play a stabilising role during and after separation. In many cases, it can help restore or protect vital relationships before court becomes the only option.”