I don't give my kids the power to determine my happiness. I determine my happiness. 4 daughters, 38,39,42 and 45 with families and kids. If I want to call them I call them and we always have a pleasant conversation. I do most of the calling, which is fine by me. One granddaughter acknowledges her presents but other ones don't until I see them. I don't live close to them so that is 2-3 times a year that I see them. I always feel welcome in their home and have a room for me and nice time when I visit. I am 71 and the oldest in the family. Yes, I just bought my own tombstone and sent them pictures of it. LOL. I am happy with the life I have and that gives me great joy and satisfaction. If I expect other people to do what I want or for others to "make me happy", never will happen.
GF has 3 daughters with only one talking to her, because of some issues 20-30 years ago. She reaches out to them and is ignored. Checks are cashed however. She constantly is depressed because her kids are not doing what she wants them to do so that she can be happy. Think about that. When we visited them, they are not mean or nasty, most of the time. So does she give them money because it makes GF feel good, or does she give them money/bribe so they contact her? I am afraid good manners and respect for elders/parents has changed and I hope us baby boomer generation parents didn't create this.