UPSET MY DAUGHTER IS SETTLING ABROAD

Dear Coleen

EIGHT years ago, my daughter moved to Canada for a new job and met a local man whom she married three years ago. They now have a gorgeous two-year-old boy, who is my first grandchild.

My daughter and I have always been very close and late last year she started talking to me about coming home. She emailed her old boss in the UK about a possible job, and I was so happy at the thought of having her back home in the UK, but also my grandson.

But then lockdown hit and everything got put on hold.

Last week, they Skyped us to announce they’re buying a new home a few streets away from where they’re renting and that they are going to stay in Canada after all.

I’m completely devastated but my husband is just very quiet and says we need to accept it.

How can I get over this?

Coleen says

OH you poor thing. I understand how massively disappointing this must be. However, as is always the way with our kids when they grow up and go off into the world, they have to live their lives and do what’s best for them. We live in a fantastic technical world, so you’re not cut off completely.

You can FaceTime and Skype, and you can save for regular visits. I’m sure your daughter is just as upset about this as you, so why don’t you talk to her about it? Lockdown has made life so much harder for people and caused so much distress.

But I think your husband is right – this is the choice they’ve made and ultimately you have to be OK with it and happy for them and their new life. What other option do you have?