The process of divorce is difficult for the entire family (children & adults, as well as grandparents and other involved family members.) Oftentimes, due to anger, feelings of betrayal, defeat, fear and animosity faced by some experiencing divorce, attempts may be made by an estranged spouse (or family members) to block an ex-spouse's visitation, involvement, communication or active participation in his/her children's lives. Unfortunately, this places the children in a precarious position of having to 'choose' between parents, aligning with one portion of the family system, or even adopting manipulative behaviors to pressure one or both parents, or grandparents, into inappropriate parenting/boundary related roles and relationships.

Even in a divorce, an effective family teaches a child how to handle conflict, how to be fair, appropriate and inappropriate relationships and boundaries, and acceptable communication methods. If you or your family are having difficulties with these issues, you may want to seek additional assistance.