If I might make a suggestion, my daughter is about the same age as yours, and I believe it's important to remember that children don't hold grudges.
It's possible that the child loves you too much and therefore takes everything you say to heart.
"I'm not sure I'm the best child."
"I'm not sure if my mom loves me anymore."
"Mommy is going to throw me away."
If I might make one more observation, I believe that...
It could be said that for a child, choosing someone who will never abandon them to take care of themselves is the only option for survival.
Grandma and grandpa did not engage in any form of disciplinary action, such as lecturing, hitting, or scolding. Despite their inability to provide her with delicious food, enjoyable activities, or nice clothes, they were consistently present for her.
For a child, it's important to be present and available.
Perhaps it's not necessary to teach her all the time, or to keep an eye on her constantly. It might be enough to simply be there for her, let her do her own thing, and give her the space to explore and experience the world around her.
It would be beneficial for your child to experience this level of acceptance.
It might be helpful to remember that when your child is with you, they are constantly thinking:
Is there a chance that mommy might get angry?
Is there still love there?
I wonder if my mother would ever hit me if I did something wrong.
I wonder if my mother might become upset if I say something that is not quite right.
...
It is important to remember that children do not have the capacity to pretense or hide.
This part requires you to take some time to reflect on yourself and how you can separate your emotions from your love for your daughter.
When you lose your temper, take a moment to reflect. Is your anger truly directed at your daughter, or is it a manifestation of your own emotions? Can you accept your daughter for who she is, warts and all?
Could I ask you to consider accepting your child for who she is, for all her good qualities and for the things she does wrong? Is there any anger you feel towards your child, or towards yourself?
It is important to remember that your child's love for you is eternal. It may be helpful to believe this and to trust in it.
No matter how harsh your words have been, no matter how many times you have hit her, your daughter loves you. It is important to remember that your daughter loves you for who you are. Could you try to love her for who she is?
Could you perhaps try to accept your daughter's shyness when you are alone together? It might be helpful to accept the fact that your daughter relies more on her grandparents.
If you love her for who she is, it would be best to respect her choice.
If your daughter feels that you respect her choice of grandparents and that you love her just the same when she chooses to be with them, she will feel your unconditional acceptance and will slowly open up to you.
You might like to try saying this to your daughter:
"I would love to spend time with you, but if you prefer your grandparents, I will be happy for you."
"My child has grown up and is taking good care of my parents. I'm grateful for your care of my mother and father."
"It's okay if you don't want to now, but I'm always here for you when you're ready."
"I'm not feeling my best right now, so I'm grateful you're here with me."
"I am truly grateful to have you as my daughter."
Perhaps what you need is a little more time and patience.
If your daughter is not clinging to you more, it might be helpful to take some time to reflect on your feelings and try to understand them better.
Could I ask why you feel lost and aggrieved?
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider whether your daughter has the right to choose who she wants to be closer to.
Could I ask you to consider whether it is your daughter or something else that makes you feel lost and aggrieved?
As your child grows, they will become more independent and will naturally require less and less companionship. They will also form their own circle of friends.
Perhaps it would be helpful to learn to let go, adapt to your child's growth, and grow yourself.
It might be helpful to consider finding new ways to invest your energy in your life, such as pursuing a new career, developing a new hobby, or building a new circle of friends.
I hope the above is helpful to you.
Comments
I understand your feelings as a mother; it's heartbreaking to see your child pull away. I know you love her deeply and only want what's best for her. It might help to have open conversations with her about your feelings, keeping in mind her young age and understanding.
It sounds like you're feeling quite lost and hurt by the distance between you and your daughter. Maybe focusing on creating new positive memories could be a step forward. Try engaging in activities she loves, showing her that you can also provide the comfort and joy she seeks.
The bond between you two can certainly be mended. Start by acknowledging your own emotions and then gently approach her with patience and love. Apologizing for those moments when you lost your temper might also help her to forgive and forget, leading to a closer relationship.
You've been through a lot, and it's understandable to feel this way. Perhaps seeking advice from a professional or counselor could offer some guidance on how to reconnect with your daughter. They can provide strategies that are tailored to your specific situation.
Every child is different, and sometimes they need time to process their feelings. Be patient with yourself and her. Show her consistently that you're there for her, and eventually, she may start to open up again, finding comfort in your presence.