So cute! Haha, Ghibli goodness! =D I really love Spirited Away. <3
I feel bad for Bethany--it cannot be a good feeling to have the sense that one's parents essentially reject one's child (because not only is it a rejection of someone she loves, but it can even feel like a rejection of her and who she is, i.e. Cayden's mother). But, as you and I both know, a lot of kids go through the whole Really Shy stage around 11-months to 2-years. Some are just shy kids, but others are kids who get shy, then get over it. A lot of child psychologists theorize that this is when the child becomes much more aware that there is a distinct separation between Adults Like Mom/Dad and Unknown Adults. And this frightens them. One of the best solutions to deal with it is to expose the child to other adults who show them love and attention, without aggression. It's a sad fact that your parents are probably making Cayden feel even more insecure, and increasing his sense that he was right to fear Adults Who Are Not Mom/Dad.
But, you might want to maybe suggest some reading material on dealing with children who display overly-needy tendencies to Bethany (including on finding ways to deal with his separation anxiety that is likely assuaged when he's held--such as the old standbys of leaving him, going into another room, and coming back, to show him that nothing really scary happens when Mom/Dad is gone--such as training him to hold onto an appendage (arm, leg, whatever), then a hand, then a finger, and so on).
However, once you move into your own place and have some more freedom to work with him yourself, I'm sure you'll help a lot! =D Maybe without the difficulties, your parents will be able to take more of an interest in their grandson. =)
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I feel bad for Bethany--it cannot be a good feeling to have the sense that one's parents essentially reject one's child (because not only is it a rejection of someone she loves, but it can even feel like a rejection of her and who she is, i.e. Cayden's mother). But, as you and I both know, a lot of kids go through the whole Really Shy stage around 11-months to 2-years. Some are just shy kids, but others are kids who get shy, then get over it. A lot of child psychologists theorize that this is when the child becomes much more aware that there is a distinct separation between Adults Like Mom/Dad and Unknown Adults. And this frightens them. One of the best solutions to deal with it is to expose the child to other adults who show them love and attention, without aggression. It's a sad fact that your parents are probably making Cayden feel even more insecure, and increasing his sense that he was right to fear Adults Who Are Not Mom/Dad.
But, you might want to maybe suggest some reading material on dealing with children who display overly-needy tendencies to Bethany (including on finding ways to deal with his separation anxiety that is likely assuaged when he's held--such as the old standbys of leaving him, going into another room, and coming back, to show him that nothing really scary happens when Mom/Dad is gone--such as training him to hold onto an appendage (arm, leg, whatever), then a hand, then a finger, and so on).
However, once you move into your own place and have some more freedom to work with him yourself, I'm sure you'll help a lot! =D Maybe without the difficulties, your parents will be able to take more of an interest in their grandson. =)