How do I talk to my grandkids about why their parents aren't raising them?

This is one of the hardest conversations, and there's no perfect script. What I've learned from Rabia is that love doesn't require explanation—it requires presence. Start with what's true and age-appropriate. A young child might hear: "Your mom and dad love you. Right now, I get to be the one helping you grow." An older kid deserves more honesty: "This situation is complicated. What matters is that you're loved and cared for here." The belonging they need isn't found in justifying absence; it's found in your consistency, your showing up, and your willingness to answer hard questions when they ask. Don't carry the weight of explaining choices that aren't yours to explain. Your job is to build the bridge between what is and what they're feeling. Create space for their anger, grief, or confusion without needing to fix it. And when you're tired—which you will be—remember that pure devotion isn't about being perfect. It's about being real, present, and choosing them again tomorrow.