I have a difficult situation with the mother of my grandchild

[I Survived]

I'm not sure if I know where to begin...

 

My 24 year old son got a woman pregnant that I work with. She is two years older than him and she was iving in my house at the time. My son told the woman that if she decided to have the child, she was on her own.

 

The child is now 3 years old. She has never met her father but she has met her 6 year old half-brother. They live in different parts of the country.

 

I have tried to have a relationship with the little girl - we have bonded. However, I think her mother (whom I still work with) believes that because she gave birth to my grandchild that she is entitled to be included in the family. I do not feel that way. I feel used.

 

It is difficult to have a relationship with my grandaughter because her mother always wants to be around, too. So, needless to say, my interaction with the child is limited.

 

My grandson came to visit this summer and he saw his sister twice. Each time it was very strained. There was her mother watching every move. She clearly has some insecurity issues and has not told her daughter who her father is. She knows she has a brother, she knows that I am her grandmother, but she's still too young to understand how we are connected.

 

Has anyone had a similar experience? How would you handle it? I need advice.

[HokeyReligions]

I don't have any sage advice or frame of reference. I know it must be tough, but I know you are not alone in this situation. Do a search on Grandparents Rights or Grandparents Handbook and see what you come up with. There may be some books out there too that can give you some ideas of how you can talk to her and spend time with your granddaughter. Have you offered any free babysitting? That might backfire though, so be careful!

 

Good luck.

[I Survived]

I have baby sat for her in the past but her mother tends to take advantage of me in that respect.