Dear Queenie,
My sister went through a nasty divorce from her husband and our mother has done everything she can to protect their daughter from all the nastiness. Now the rest of the family have lost contact with the girl because she only goes to her grandmother for everything.
Queenie, do you think this is right?—Worried Aunt
Dear Aunt,
If your niece turns mostly to her grandmother because she finds it easy to talk to her and confide in her because Grandma is so understanding and comforting, I see no problem. However, if Grandma is deliberately keeping the girl away from the rest of the family, no, that is not right.
Do your best to see your niece whenever you can and let her know that you, too, are there for her if she needs you. But do not push the matter too hard, for fear of alienating her further.
