DEAR AMY: During a holiday visit, I noticed my daughter and 11-year-old granddaughter were so attached to each other that there was no time or space for anyone else. One day, my daughter had the day off from work and allowed her daughter to stay home from school. They giggled in mom's room for a while and spent two hours cuddling on the sofa watching a child's movie. After the movie, they sang carols and then sat on the floor cutting out snowflakes. Sounds innocent, but it seemed odd to me since this was the pattern the whole time I was visiting: Daughter went to work, picked up granddaughter at the end of the day and the evening was spent baking, cuddling, singing, laughing and swapping clothes. I know I sound as if I'm jealous of my granddaughter, but isn't this smothering? My daughter's husband seems fine with it. My granddaughter has friends and is very close to other grandparents. She has some after-school activities, but Mommy is her whole world. It seems as if my daughter is putting herself in a position for a huge letdown in a year or two. 
 Puzzled Granny 
 DEAR GRANNY: What would this anticipated "letdown" in your daughter's life consist of? The absence of cutting snowflakes together when your granddaughter grows too old for this activity? If your granddaughter is close to other family members, has friends and activities outside the home, and does well in school, then Mommy is not her whole world. Everything you mention is appropriate for an 11-year-old. The way these two interact might be quite different from what you remember from your time as a mother. 
 It sounds as if your daughter is making the most of home time. She should not neglect you or her husband. She will do best if she also has a balance of friends and activities outside of her daughter's orbit, but she is making choices that seem (mostly) benign.

DEAR AMY: During a holiday visit, I noticed my daughter and 11-year-old granddaughter were so attached to each other that there was no time or space for anyone else. One day, my daughter had the day off from work and allowed her daughter to stay home from school. They giggled in mom's room for a while and spent two hours cuddling on the sofa watching a child's movie. After the movie, they sang carols and then sat on the floor cutting out snowflakes. Sounds innocent, but it seemed odd to me since this was the pattern the whole time I was visiting: Daughter went to work, picked up granddaughter at the end of the day and the evening was spent baking, cuddling, singing, laughing and swapping clothes. I know I sound as if I'm jealous of my granddaughter, but isn't this smothering? My daughter's husband seems fine with it. My granddaughter has friends and is very close to other grandparents. She has some after-school activities, but Mommy is her whole world. It seems as if my daughter is putting herself in a position for a huge letdown in a year or two. Puzzled Granny DEAR GRANNY: What would this anticipated "letdown" in your daughter's life consist of? The absence of cutting snowflakes together when your granddaughter grows too old for this activity? If your granddaughter is close to other family members, has friends and activities outside the home, and does well in school, then Mommy is not her whole world. Everything you mention is appropriate for an 11-year-old. The way these two interact might be quite different from what you remember from your time as a mother. It sounds as if your daughter is making the most of home time. She should not neglect you or her husband. She will do best if she also has a balance of friends and activities outside of her daughter's orbit, but she is making choices that seem (mostly) benign.

News

LSAMY04

Is mother attentive -- or smothering?

Newsday

Homepage Trending

Halloween events on LI

Deported: Immigration on LI

Wallet Watch

Working moms

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed heads to Seven Ponds Orchard in Water Mill where you can pick crisp apples, gather garden-fresh veggies, and let the kids burn off some energy at one of the island's largest playgrounds.

Out East: Seven Ponds Orchard

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Bisqo in Hicksville to try the Miso Overload, a Dubai-inspired creation which combines a frappe with a slice of tiramisu.

 Trendy Bites: Have your frappe with a slice of tiramisu on top

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano tries a crafty coffee at The Caffeinated Bunny in Melville.

Coffee cart opens at Melville flower shop

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week

News - megaslot

Newsday has the most up-to-date stories on Long Island & NTC. Join us & stay current with news articles on sports, business, health, technology & more.

Stay logged in.