My DD has just turned up on our doorstep...

This has happened to me twice, with sons not daughters. I have just listened, reassured them that I will help in any way i can. I never said anything about my DiLs as. I was always aware that they might get back together.

With my eldest was glad that he was out of a dreadful relationship, but I am very sad about the youngest.

All you can do is give as much support as you can.

I agree with BlueBelle . I think you have done the right thing Scentia. It must have taken a lot for her to turn up on your doorstep with your grandson, so I think it’s more than a “lovers tiff”. Hope tomorrow makes things a little clearer . Such a worry for you .

Look she wouldn’t have swallowed her pride and uprooted your grandchild and come to you unless she was in need of doing so I d bet a pound to a penny it’s more than a tiff so you ve done the right thing and given them a bath and a bed and you may need to extend your expectation of their staying time

My Mum once told me (when I was not long married) that she;d never trusted my DH because his eyes were too close together , and I made the mistake of telling him some time later.
He's never forgotten this, and although she died years ago he still brings it up at inappropriate (to my mind) moments. Try not to worry about what's done now, as you say - what's said is said.
You could perhaps advise her not to try too hard to please - some men take advantage (a but like Yasmeen in Corrie - if you watch it) of perceived weakness in a wife.

It's good that she has somewhere to go. She might just need a break from him for a few days so let her sort things out.

It's hard to see our adult children in these difficulties Yennifer but at 25 your daughter is an adult and needs to sort her own life out. You can listen and comfort but don't criticise and allow her to make her own decisions even if you don't agree. It was so much easier when they were little and we could kiss it all better.

She turned up looking to stay. They are both [Dd & DGS] in bed now after a bath. I tried to not say anything against him as I am sure it will get sorted soon enough, but when she asked me what I thought of him last weekend I did say I thought he was a very critical of her and now I regret saying that as I am sure when it gets sorted she will tell him what I said. Oh well what’s said is said?.

I read your post twice but can't understand when you say she 'turned up on your doorstep' whether she turned up looking to stay with you, or just for a talk and advice.
A good response when someone is complaining about another person's behaviour is "and How does that make you feel" or "what do you think that means" - throw questions that ask you to take sides back at her.
Otherwise, when/if they kiss and make up you will be cast in the role of marriage wrecker for siding with her. We all know husbands can be controlling at times (or try to be) but its not a reason to end a marriage.
Give her a bed, listen to her but don't say a word against him, whatever you may feel about him. Please.

I think everyone else is right but also bolster your daughter and remind her how strong she is and if she asks tell her of course she will be amazing on her own x

There’s nothing you can do but keep out of it and be there when needed. I’ve been there and it’s nearly killed me keeping my mouth shut but I’m glad I did.

As previous posters have said, give her space, be kind and listen. Stay neutral no matter what. From past experience they will be back to normal in no time leaving you totally wound up about it!

Yennifer
I don’t think the criticism is silly, I said what they are rowing about is silly. I have never noticed the criticism much before until we spent the weekend with them.

Yes, just be there to give any support when it's needed. Listen to what your DD has to say but try to avoid giving opinions - let her bounce things off you so that she can reach her own conclusions.

He's very very critical of her, your husband doesn't like it but you think it's silly? If he is happy to be like that in front of you, how bad is it behind closed doors? x

Hopefully Scientia, it's just a lover's tiff. But, if his criticism of her is a regular thing, some sort of action has to be taken ,by your daughter and not you. It's hard for us mothers to stay in the background, but that's what we must do. Be there for her and your GS. It will probably pass. Wish you and your family all the best

If they are trying to sort things out, I'd keep out of it as much as possible.

You can still listen to your daughter and give calm and impartial suggestions if she asks for them.

I hope things work out.

All you can do is to be there for your daughter and grandson as a ‘safety net’ in case they need to drop into it.

As you are doing at the moment ....

x