My mum likely to split up with her partner of 4 years - breaking the news to my children

[RubberDuck]

My father died over 10 years ago and over the last four years my mother has had a partner, but the relationship has been getting rockier and rockier over time.

It looks likely that they'll be splitting up soon (and it has the potential to get quite nasty and take a fair amount of time as there's property/money involved). The thing that worries me the most though is how the dses (ds1 is almost 6 and ds2 is almost 3) will react.

To all intents and purposes, this man is their granddad and I can see the potential for a lot of upset and confusion. As he is a partner and not a biological granddad, it's very unlikely that he'll want to keep in touch with them. Already they're questioning where he is (their grandma visited today on her own which is unheard of from their experiences) and they have no previous experiences of divorce or relationship breakdown anywhere in the family or close friends.

Any advice on how best to explain the situation and handle the inevitable upset is very appreciated.

How sad rubberduck I'm sorry to hear that.

Children are VERY adaptable and accept pretty much anything. I think they will accept it reasonably well if you say that Granddad and Grandma are going to live in separate houses now and so Grandma will have a nice big house all to herself with room for their toys etc. I wouldn't mention them not seeing Granddad - to be blunt, they will forget over time. The problem will probably be with them questioning your mother, who might find that upsetting.

Thank you, mp.

I hope that's the case about forgetting - ds2 in particular is very attached to him (he's like a cat that hones in on people who barely tolerate him and demands attention and cuddles).

Hadn't thought of the questioning - but you're right, they're far more likely to be asking mum than me. Will pre-warn her.