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2 yr old Granddaughter suddenly afraid of me
My 2 year old Granddaughter is suddenly afraid of me. She has been living with me part time for 8 months with her Father. I went on a 5 day vacation in June and since my return she will have very little to do with me. She acts fearful around me and clings to her father. We used to spend every minute together and now she just looks away, buries her face, or outright tells me to "get out" . I am heart broken. I have tried bringing home her favorite movies/books/dinners, tried doing the old activities we enjoyed together: reading, movies, etc..., and now just being available, telling her Hi, and saying I love you at her bedtime. I can't imagine what set this off, or what/how to fix it. She was warming up a bit, but now is even worse. She is the light of my life, and I just need to know what to do.
Best Answer
I know what you dealing with - been there. Your granddaughter is probably going through some form of "separation" issues which is a part of her developmental process. It's particularly hard on us - grandparents, although I know of cases where one of the parents were not "wanted". All you can do is step back, way back, and not try to influence/upset her in any way. Be present but let her come to you (if and when that occurs). Smile, laugh, try and act "normal" but don't impose yourself upon her. Throw kisses and send hugs and bring gifts (but not too many as she will "smell" your desperation). Try not to gush or overwhelm her - after all, there are others in their household you wish to visit and see. Grandchildren can be the "light" of our lives; but frankly, we are not the "light" of their lives. This is reality and as the grandchildren grow, it becomes more and more apparent. You didn't do anything to cause this and I doubt if you can do anything to fix this. But time will make things better as long as you don't force the issue. Relax - this too will pass ...
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