It is painful to admit but I don't have a strong bond with DD 9. I work v. v long hrs/am the main breadwinner. As a result DH does all morning stuff, school pick ups, dinner, homework and is generally always around. Thankfully they have an amazing bond. I am less present due to long work hours. At the weekends I make sure to all the activities. However things with DD and I are less natural, I feel our conversations are forced, driving to activities I often feel like I'm interviewing her, rather than having a natural mum and daughter chat. We often drive in silence as she not want to chat :( :(
How can I make our bond deeper?
I desperately want to be a good mum.
Not to drip feed we also have a DS 14, thankfully we have an extremely strong bond that I worked so hard to build through days out, chats, making him nice dinners etc
My own mum died when I was in 9 and I had a v lonely childhood, so I feel I don't have that reference point, don't often know what a good Mum does :(
My daughter does not seem interested to engage, and does seem to emotionally need me in the same way My DS does.
Does anyone have ideas, words of wisdom, little tips, gestures, conversation starters on how I start to build a relationship.
Dd likes
Music/Taylor Swift
Books especially. Warrior cats
Her friends :)
Horses
Thanfully she's a happy, independent, fun loving & confident girl.
I desperately want to have that lifelong bond. I often feel I could die and it would not matter too much to her. I would never articulate that thought IRL.
Any tips to deepen our connection?
What did your Mum do to make you feel special and loved?
Also working less hrs is not an option.
Thank you.