Keep it up! Any contact with his daughter is beneficial for the both of them. My husband went through something similar and we now have his 5 year old daughter overnight once a fortnight. It does get easier!

My daughter also acted similarly with any male thaqt she did not see often or who was a stranger. I think the best thing would be for your son ( if possible) to see her more, so that she gets used to seeing him and forms a strong bond. ( Cate was never this way with daddy or either grandpa, just male family members  she didn't often see or strangers)..

If this is not possible, just know that it will take time, but eventually things will change

Good luck!

i have a slighty diferent perspective so i am probably biast and wont be all that helpful.....

my son is 9 mnths old and has nothing to do with his dad (this isnt my choice) when he last saw him he screamed blue murder at him and was hysterical for awhile but his dad hadnt come to see him either and was drunk so perhaps that what was why?

if he wanted to see my son now i wouldnt be happy about him taking him by himself for awhile, id want him to see him with me there or nearby until he was more comfortable or older, is this possible in your sons case? or is it possible that he coudl go visit the baby where she lives and mum just pop out for awhile so shes in a comfortable environment that shes used to?

i think its very important for babies to bond with their dads and that takes time, assure your son it will pass and she will get used to him eventually but changing the circumstances and the severity of how they see each other and maybe doing things that the baby is used to a bit more would be helpful.

i also agree with the other ladies comments that if its possible to have more frequent short term visits if possible so its not such a big jump for her.

i hope it all works out

xxxnat

My husband always says, "babies don't want anyone but Mommy",  and he is hesitant to interact with the babies.  After baby 4, he got more involved and the three younger ones LOVE their dad more.  A baby who is 7 months is at that insecure stage when they don't want you to leave them and cry.  I think it will pass soon. I never found that stage to be very long.   Be persistent!!   He will be glad he hung in there the first time she hugs him and calls him "Daddy" 

I agree with everyone else, both your son and your grand daughter are probably feeling insecure. If this is your sons first experience of child care then he is probably feeling nervous and hesitant and your grand daughter is picking up on it. He is probably also finding it hard to "read" what she wants, you know when your child is tired because they give you a signal but to someone not familiar with that childs behaviour pattern it can be confusing for both. Would it be at all possible for your son to spend time in your grandchilds home, I understand this may be difficult due to the breakdown of your sons relationship with her mother but surely something could be worked out for the sake of the child. I feel that in time your granchild will warm to her Daddy and Dad will grow in confidence.

The problem here is your granddaughter is feeling insecure.  this will be caused by being in unfamiliar surroundings and by the fact that your son is probably unsure of how to look after her (being nervous about doing things right).

Making the contact more frequent will help with this.  Your granddaughter will get used to being around your son and your son will grow more confident with his parenting skills.  Ask any first time parent how their baby is, especially a newborn, and I am sure they will tell you that they are constantly stressed out because they don't feel as though they know what they are doing.  It is normal and only overcome by spending time together and learning what does and doesn't work.

If your granddaughter has some special toys she can bring along on her visits, then it might help to settle her a bit more.  Even a special cuddly toy or blanket, anything that is familiar and smells of 'home' and mummy will help to ease her distress. 

It is very important for your son to keep having the visits, or he could make the situation even worse.  The more contact the better, and if he is still on fair terms with bubs mum, then having them together at the start of the visits and then once bubs is happy enough, mum slipping away with  no fuss will also help.  Note, I did say only if they are on good terms and not prone to arguing etc.

Anything you do try is going to take time, so have patience and I am sure things will work out for the best.

Good luck with it all and I hope that your son and granddaughter can have some quality time together very soon.

i agree with the other mums and say get her to take a toy with her. she will feel more at home with it.

my son was the same as my partner works all day and only get 2 days off so our son had no idea who he was. but after afew weeks of him just spending time with him he realized whoi he was now he loves spending time with his father.

he needs to get more time with her not just every other sunday. he should take her out for walks or to the park,.  just keep persisting  she will eventually know him.

good luck

Can he get to see  her more often???? The more she sees him the better she will do DON'T GIVE UP!!!! Maybe have her bring something that is "special" to her with her so she will feel more comfy. Jedd has a favorite blanket and stuffed elephant. I used to drop those off with him when he went to the nursery at church and it made a big difference.

Hi,

I would tell him not to give up, She is only a baby, and as she gets older she will get to know him better. If he waits til she is older, he might have an even harder time to get to know her, especially if the mother gets into another relationship... Your son may benefit from a parenting class, or even books, to help him with ideas on how to "deal" with a crying baby etc...  Seeing his daughter more often may help her  form an attachment to him as well.... It will take time, but I don't think it will take too long, as she spends more time with him, she will realise he is someone important, and she will form an attachment to him.... Hope this helps...

cheers!