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Grandparenting

My four year old grandson "doesn't want me"

(55 Posts)
babyjack Sun 08-May-11 22:55:38

MY grandson is three and I see him loads but sometimes he will ask for mummy or want to go home even when we are having fun. Remember children often regress a bit when they have change of circumstances. I would reassure him that you love him whatever he says or does.
A weekend away from mummy can be a long time, maybe your son could think about the contact being a bit shorter, I know it;s difficult as i am sure he wants to have as much time as possible with him but it need not be forever. The quality is important as well as the quantity.
These things have a way of sorting themselves out and being concerned shows you are sensitive to his needs.

Are his parents able to chat easily about the contact if so maybe they could work out what's best for now?

Good Luck.

Dordor Sun 08-May-11 19:59:02

Thank you supernan and jangly. That's reassuring.

supernana Sun 08-May-11 19:07:39

I agree with jangly. It seems awfully tough for you at the moment but, I'm convinced that as your grandson gets to know you and your love for him, he will grow to appreciate and love you in return. Have faith...

jangly Sun 08-May-11 18:22:56

You know Dordor, I think this is a phase little boys go through! My younger grandson, who is 5, has started to say things like "I love mummy" and I want mummy" when he is at our house. The older one went through the same phase but he has now come out of it the other end. I think they reach an age where they realize that mummy is a very important person in their lives and they shy away from other female family members who might have any claim to their affections. I don't think it's anything to do with you personally or any family situation. He will grow out of it. Underneath it he loves you, and that will resurface later. Best thing I find is to stand back a bit. If he doesn't want a kiss, don't push for one. Try not to worry. He does still love you. Its just a development thing. HTH

Dordor Sun 08-May-11 17:52:43

Sadly my son and his wife split up 6 months ago. Their four year old son still lives with his mother and step brothers but his Dad has him at weekends. They visit us on Sundays, usually. The last few times my grandson has been very whiny and kept asking to go home. Today he kept saying he didn't want me any more, didn't want to be my friend (or to be friends with my daughter's family) or to see us ever again. I did light-heartedly ask him why, as did his Dad, but got nowhere. It wasn't dreadful, just sad, and we both cajoled him and were cheerful but he clearly felt it was important. Was he testing me to make sure I love him when his world has been so strange lately, or is something else?