My Son's Wife Pushed Me Away

In order to fix this you need to look at this problem from your daughter-in-law’s point of view too.

- Anita Naik

Q I’m 68 and divorced. I have one son who is 38, married, with a 15-month-old granddaughter who I adore. Ever since she was born, I’ve done my best to be there for my daughter-in-law, who lost her mother just before her baby was born. But last Christmas, my son asked me to take a step back, as his wife felt my constant presence was ‘too much’. I don’t understand this. I was there for them daily – cleaning their house, giving advice and offering to take my granddaughter, so I feel very hurt, but have backed off. Now I only see my granddaughter every other week. I feel bitter but I also want to repair my relationship so I get more contact with my granddaughter. Jenny, 68, Portsmouth