“It is sad, but, yes, grandparents can be kept from their grandchildren.”
I don’t think it’s sad. We can’t have the state dictating to parents who their children may see and not see.
If there is severe, proven abuse or neglect by a parent(s), they can lose their parental rights. Then the state takes over, and they can decide all manner of things for the kids.
If that isn’t the case, the parents will decide. I am certain no parent makes the right decision at all times. I know I haven’t. But we can’t have the government come in and start legislating relationships. That is not their role.
I agree with you. If grandparents want to foster meaningful relationships with their grandchildren the best way is to have a healthy relationship with the childrens’ parents.
If a grandparent needs a court order to see grandchildren than that extended relationship is dysfunctional to begin with and probably not in the best interest of the children. Barring abuse and neglect ( by legal standards not the grandparents) grandparents shouldn’t have the legal right to interfere in parental decisions just because they would do things differently. JMO.
Correct answer. Sad as the individual cases may be.