I would suggest starting a couple of special traditions with your grand child so that you will feel better about stepping back when his mom needs those moments alone with him.

How about every year on the first day of school, you take him out to do a special activity (park, movies, library, ice cream, etc). Something that just you and him do.

Just a thought.

Remember back to your own child, it was a special bonding and support issue between you & yours on that very first day. And she did share a part of this with you, just not the personal part.

Due to illness, I had to live with my daughter just before my youngest grandson was born which put me in a bigger part of their life on an everyday bases compared to my living away. (took 3 years before I was on my own again) It was hard not to have hurt feelings and still be supportive towards my daughter as his Mom; I had to work at remembering that under different circumstances, I wouldn’t be that close everyday. Makes a big difference in the relationship for all.

Look at the bright side, you have a very special bonding with this grandchild that you may never have with any of your future grandchildren. Enjoy!

If it were so special for her, then why didn’t she sign him up? Don’t bottle your feelings up! 🙂