I became an auntie at 11 yrs old. I grew up with my nieces, almost like a sister. But now...it's hard to get them to respect me as their aunt. I am now 28, they are 17, and 15, yet they still treat me as if I were one of them. Which is fine on certain occasions. But there are certain boundries, don't you agree?
2006-07-08 16:07:54 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
They do call me auntie. They just think they can walk all over me. I'm a very passive person. An example is Kate Hudson on Raising Helen. I'm like her, I don't know what to do! It's very frustrating
2006-07-08 16:21:09 · update #1
I do totally agree but being that they are who they are and y'all did grow up together, it's going to be difficult for them to see you as an authority figure. It's not impossible, though. I'm sure they call you their "cool auntie" and like you said, that's all good and fine but you're not their friend. You're just going to have to be firm with them and until they get that respect for you, you can't "play" with them like you used to. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. Good luck!! :)
2006-07-08 16:11:24 · answer #1 · answered by UniqueIsWhoSheIs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I also became an aunt at a very young age, I was 7 when my sister had her first baby, now I have 3 nieces and 4 nephews. I have also felt the same way and what I've done is that Ive told them when they have crossed the line and when they have went to far, they listen to me and they understand how I feel, try and tell them how you would like to be treated. They're old enough to understand.
2006-07-08 16:15:42 · answer #2 · answered by Lucy R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm....I became an aunt a 12. I am now 20 and they are 8 and 6. When I babysit i have the same problems as you do. I think you should just talk to them. They're old enough to have an adult conversation with you. Think about your behavior. You should be acting the way you want them to see you. Good Luck.
2006-07-08 16:18:24 · answer #3 · answered by peace_n_luv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be some type of boundaries, but since you was young when you became a aunt it not going to happen. If your sibling didn't establish that when they where young, don't look for it but you I do hope they but Auntie before your name. Maybe you should talk with them and tell them how you feel.
2006-07-08 16:15:09 · answer #4 · answered by JO`NAE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a brother who's 10 years older than me, but i still respect him. And if you say that they think of you as one of them, just try embarassing them infront of their friends :), alternatively you could start hanging out with their mother. Also you could try talking to them and explaining to them why you feel that certain boundries have to be set and you still love them, but you feel that you're missing out on being an auntie with them respecting you and your advice. Aunts also act as mediators between kids and parents. hope it works out.
2006-07-08 16:17:31 · answer #5 · answered by Mezee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, i know definitely what you're talking about. But, the age difference between you and your neices is pretty big so it should be easier for you to assert your authority. If I were you, I would just tell them how I felt about the boundaries and when they do cross the line, show that my genuine pissed offness. Nothin is worse than you're favorite aunt being pissed off at you, you feel it.
2006-07-08 16:14:10 · answer #6 · answered by Nadia N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do agree with you and now that you are an adult and they are young adults you need to sit them down and tell them that...
explain to them how you would like to be treated in certain situations... try to do this in a way to not alienate them because you will probably, and are, the first one they come to when they need advice are help and you don't want to mess that up!!!
Good Luck!!
2006-07-08 16:13:34 · answer #7 · answered by DeeDee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats a really hard spot , because you have been raised with them they are closer to you than. kids are to aunts of normal age which i think is very cool. why cant you still be thier friend and let thier parents do the disipline. i dont have the same problem but i am very close to my nieces. and i let thier parents do the disipline so i can stay close to my nieces, i love them very much but more than than that they respect me . so i dont have to discipline them. besides that its just not my job. its the job of the parents... and i just get to have fun with them....
2006-07-08 16:25:04 · answer #8 · answered by moe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very muchly so. My first nephew was born when I was 13 and I have never let him get away with calling my by my first name only. I am his auntie and that authority is needed when I babysit.
2006-07-08 16:16:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes of course there are boundaries. I have to wonder though if this isn't because you started out more interested in being their frind than their aunt. Try to get them to respect you good luck.
2006-07-08 16:12:49 · answer #10 · answered by asitcomes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋