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Estrangement

Torn over Granddaughter

(19 Posts)
Elless Wed 26-Aug-26 14:28:12

Yesterday was my GD's 21st birthday, we are estranged from our Son (her dad). I wished her a happy birthday and told her that we always put money aside at birthdays and Christmas which she would eventually receive one way or another. Am I wrong to feel annoyed that she didn't even acknowledge the text (never mind the money), I feel torn over whether to bother in future - she's an adult and should have said either 'thank you' or 'I'd rather you didn't bother'. Her brother who is 15 always replies when we text him.

Cossy Wed 26-Aug-26 14:31:15

Give her time to respond.

At 21 she’s an adult and could quite easily visit you, if you are in the same country.

It’s understandable for you to feel a bit disgruntled about no contact.

stillawipp Wed 26-Aug-26 14:47:54

I suppose it depends what your relationship is like with her , given that you are estranged from her father....

Smileless2012 Wed 26-Aug-26 14:57:02

She should have said 'thank you' if she's prepared to accept the gift.

fancythat Wed 26-Aug-26 14:58:04

And what he has told her. About you.
And told her what to do and say, and what to not do and say.

And how often in the past she has already said thank you.[though saying it every time is not out an out of the way thing to do.].

Smileless2012 Wed 26-Aug-26 15:02:11

She's 21 fancythat; old enough to think and speak for herself especially as her 15 year old brother seems to be able too.

NotSpaghetti Wed 26-Aug-26 15:03:56

Does she actually have access to the money or is it still basically in your control?

Doodledog Wed 26-Aug-26 15:07:23

If you are giving in order to get 'thank you' messages then maybe stop doing so if it's a 'bother'?

If you just want your granddaughter to benefit from your generosity, then carry on, and if the relationship with your son is ever repaired she will know you were always there for her.

She must be in a difficult position, and we can't possibly know what has happened between the various parties, so it's impossible to advise.

Elless Wed 26-Aug-26 15:12:55

She hasn't actually got the money, we have two accounts that we put money into each birthday and Christmas ( she isn't desperate for it - her parents are taking her to New York as one of her gifts, I've never been able to compete with the presents they both receive) I have always sent Easter gifts to their house for them both which, again, she has never thanked us for but her brother has but they have moved house at the beginning of this year and we don't have their address.

pably15 Wed 26-Aug-26 15:15:38

No matter what she's been told about you , it's only good manners to thank you for a gift

Cossy Wed 26-Aug-26 15:21:11

Elless

She hasn't actually got the money, we have two accounts that we put money into each birthday and Christmas ( she isn't desperate for it - her parents are taking her to New York as one of her gifts, I've never been able to compete with the presents they both receive) I have always sent Easter gifts to their house for them both which, again, she has never thanked us for but her brother has but they have moved house at the beginning of this year and we don't have their address.

How to you now make contact? WhatsApp?

Why have you not given her the money? She is now 21.

Do you not actually have proper contact with them?

What a horrible situation.

Smileless2012 Wed 26-Aug-26 15:21:48

I agree pably.

Lathyrus3 Wed 26-Aug-26 15:26:46

If shes 21 isn't that an appropriate time to be giving her whatever you have put aside for her.

I can see why you would put it aside whilst her parents were in control but shes been an adult for three years now.

Maybe she’s not convinced the about the promise of money rather than the reality?

Smileless2012 Wed 26-Aug-26 15:32:30

That's a good point Lathyrus and if her lack of gratitude really is an issue, when passing the money onto her you could also say you're doing so because now she's 21 you wont be putting in any more.

welbeck Wed 26-Aug-26 16:10:37

Maybe she feels you are trying g to buy her interest and contact.
And she is not playing ball.
Maybe she agrees with supports her father in his dealings with you.

Astitchintime Wed 26-Aug-26 16:17:29

Personally, now she has reached 21 I wouldn’t be offering to put aside any more money on birthdays. In her defence, she may not have had an opportunity to respond to your message so give her a little time to do so.
She is an adult and should be able to form her own opinion about family relationships without the influence of her father but none of us know what goes on behind closed doors. Surely she will know that you love her regardless.

welbeck Wed 26-Aug-26 16:19:36

It does sound manipulative to me.
I will give you money so you ought to be grateful.
Nope.

stillawipp Wed 26-Aug-26 16:27:42

Wow, I'm amazed at the number of people who expect her, at only 21, to be able to be completely objective about her father's situation with her grandmother. 21 is nothing!! Poor young woman...she didn't ask for this gift & hasn't actually taken it anyway!!
And maybe she feels it would be disloyal to him to do so, & is now caught in the middle not knowing what to do . It was only yesterday that you texted her to tell her - give her a chance!!

Jaxjacky Wed 26-Aug-26 16:32:22

Maybe she’s changed her number.