This happened to me with the eldest GS, who gradually distanced himself when he was 14. He ignored me in the street a couple of times [he was with a friend and embarrassed/self conscious once] and I was stunned. He also grunted when I visited and stayed in his room].
This was the boy I adored and saw every week, who I took for days out and played with for hours, who ran towards me and hugged me when I arrived, who laughed and played cricket and football with me, And the rest.
His dad was a bit similar at the same age though, and I think some of it was due to body changes and awareness of sexuality...something not easily talked about with a single mother. Of course it's a natural progression of entering adulthood but it hurts when they seemingly shut you out in the process.
I just got on with my life though it hurt so much. There was another younger grandson to enjoy and younger son then had 2 children...
Older GS meanwhile had girlfriends, bought a car, got a job, moved into a flat and is now 21. He is now friendly and affectionate and we connect, talk a lot when I see him. We have a thread between us again though I don't see him much. But he is independent and confident and I'm glad. He was pushing against a bit of a close atmosphere at home and being controlled by adults who all wanted a piece of him and his time. I couldn't see it at the time.
I know now. His brother is now coming up to 13 [wonderful, funny, sensitive boy] and I am prepared this time. I also have 2 other grandchildren who will probably be the same, as I don't see them as often.
I remember refusing to go to church with my grandmother when I was 14, after going with her for years. She must have been hurt by that and I feel awful about it. Teenagers can be so thoughtless. Please don't take it personally OP...I can remember how upsetting it was for me but it works out in the end/in time.
Baby Reindeer - anyone watched it?
Alphabetical girls and boys names January 2024