My daughters controlling partner has cut me out of my granddaughters life

DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my daughter got together with her controlling partner, I’ve been cut out of my granddaughter’s life.

All the cards and presents I send are returned unopened, or labelled “not known at this address” so I don’t even know if they’ve moved.

My granddaughter is only six, so I can’t contact her without going through my daughter, 27. I’m 52, and haven’t seen the little girl for three years.

I fear she may not remember who I am now.

We used to be close. It changed when she met her partner, 36, who I took an instant dislike to. He turned my daughter against me.

Not seeing my granddaughter grow up is breaking my heart. I cry myself to sleep. How can I learn to cope with this?

DEIDRE SAYS: Being denied contact with your granddaughter is very upsetting.

It’s also very unfair to your grand-daughter, who would benefit from a loving relationship with you.

Your daughter may need you if she is in a controlling relationship. Try to keep the door open to her also.

Contact Family Lives (familylives.org.uk, 0808 800 2222), which can support and advise you.