Might be a bit long but the backstory is relevant. I have one niece, I live in a different country to her but have always made an effort. She is an only child and struggled with speech whilst she was growing up - only mum could understand for a long time. She has had confidence issues but since having intensive speech therapy can now talk perfectly fine, confidence through the roof.
I have always struggled to have a relationship with her. I tried but couldn't understand when she was talking, mum translated, I visited a fair bit (4/5 times a year, sometimes more) yet niece didn't want to know. Now she's older, she's 8, whenever I try and see her she doesn't reply when I talk to her and when I text I get either a 2 letter word or no reply at all. Mum takes the stance that she isn't going to make her talk to someone she doesn't want to, I think it's rude to actively ignore someone. AIBU since they are young or are they old enough to know better? Thanks