Should I tell my niece about the "facts of life"........ Or would I be in the wrong??

Question

It's my little brother's daughter, and his wife passed away a few years ago. My niece is now 12 and since I'm the only adult female in her life that she can talk to, I was wondering if I would be totally out of place to tell her just what she needs to know for now.
She's asked me a few questions about that earlier, but I just try to avoid it for right now..... Should I ask my brothers permissino before I tell her anything??
I feel that she should get the REAL facts from someone that knows something about it, and someone that she can trust, and not from just some friend or an older girl at her school. I just want some advice........
Please and Thank You.

Answer 1

Talk to your brother and find out if he has a problem with you discusing this with his daughter. If your the only adult woman in her life, and your relationship is close with her. He probably won't have a problem. You might even find out he is thankful not having to explain it to her himself.
Good luck.

Answer 2

First off, I'm so glad that you care enough about her to even think like this. It sounds like your niece is reallly reaching out for someone, and she has given you an open door. I don't have kids, but I really appreciate that I can help younger girls when they come to me. But since I dont' have kids I don't know how your brother would view it. But you know what? If you say it with tact, and just go talk to him about it, or call him, I dont' think he would mind if you took her out to lunch just to talk and what not,you know? I think it would be such a big help to him, and a weight off his shoulders, I'm sure he's worried about this before. Just do it, you sound like a good person, what do you have to lose, honestly?

Answer 3

I think you should talk to her about it. For girls it helps to hear it from another girl because it gets kinda uncomfortable for both the father and the daughter. But just to be safe i would ask my brother how he feels in case he has some qualms about it.

Answer 4

I would definitely ask your brother first and maybe explain it like you did here. I was a teacher and often parents and other adults give long winded answers to kids who ask simple "
sex" questions, best to repeat back to them, "what is it you want to know ", most of the time they get told too much. Just an idea, but thanks for being such a caring aunt.

Answer 5

I think it's great that you want to talk to her, and you should, BUT you need to get permission from your brother before you do anything. He might feel upset if you talk to his daughter without him knowing, but if you ask him for permission first, he'll probably be glad that you want to tell her what she needs to know.

Answer 6

It would probably be best to get your brother's permission. Even if he doesn't consent I think you should still talk to her about it all. She needs to know and like you said she needs to know the REAL FACTS.

Answer 7

I would suggest it to your brother. There is a good chance he hasn't given it much thought. I absolutely think at the age of 12, she needs to have a heads up about life.
Your a great Aunt for thinking about her best interest.
~T~

Answer 8

Yes, I would ask your brother for his permission first. Just out of respect.

Answer 9

it is great that you would think to do that, her biological mom may be gone but it sure sounds like she has a mother in you ....good for you. ask bro first but with the attitude that it is the right thing to do and you are confident that this will help her...(and it will)...you get the good aunt award, please keep it up for her sake...she needs you. good luck.

Answer 10

go ahead, i learned about when the school told me, or my cousin. but i know about things now i never would have gotten out of with a talk at home.