Etc? If I ever had children, I don't think I would want to feel forced to hang out with aunts, uncles, family, etc just because we have kids the same age. Am I crazy??? That's one reason I don't want children...I don't want to be forced into close family relationships I don't want....
2007-01-31 14:07:49 · 17 answers · asked by SadToday22 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
You have the right to your opinion. Your children do not have to hang out with cousins, etc. You can do what you want. That's a bad reason to not want to have children.
2007-01-31 14:11:57 · answer #1 · answered by Tenn Gal 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's vital at all. You should do whatever you feel is best and what your child wants as well. Growing up I wasn't very close to my extended family or cousins even though they were close to my age. I knew them and as a kid I would play with some of my cousins every now and then who were close to my age. But I was never really close to any of them. I had friends from school who I was closer to than I was to my cousins.
Personally I think children should know their family but I don't see any reason to force them to have a strong relationship with them unless it just happens naturally. Like for example if the child really likes being around their cousins then I don't think it should be discouraged. But if not then I really don't see a problem with it.
2007-01-31 16:22:39 · answer #2 · answered by Chihiro00 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am one of 14 first cousins and I am so happy to have such a wonderful relationship with all of my cousins. I am the oldest (early 30s) and the youngest is 16. We haven't all grown up around one another but remain close and typically see each other at least once a year for a family gathering.
Personally, the relationships I have with my cousins has enriched my life and I truly cherish the friendships we've developed as we've grown into adulthood.
2007-02-02 19:16:56 · answer #3 · answered by Amy K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the relatives are a decent bunch, then I say it's a good idea for children to have a strong relationship with them. Relatives can provide a good support system. Also, children should at least know who their family members are.
On the other hand, if said relatives were a bunch of losers, then nothing more than an introduction to them should suffice. In that case, allow the relationship to develop at its own pace.
2007-01-31 14:20:15 · answer #4 · answered by EBL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some folkes just limit the inter family visiting we had an alcoholic cousin my mothers age and he and his five kids and wife would show up all the time no warning to eat and drink and hang out almost around the clock we finally had to turn out the lights and hide from these cousins just do a little visiting and tell folkes to call before they come by so you are there and use the answering machine and the caller id or just answer and say im going to the school for a thing for the kid or any reasonable excuse
2007-01-31 14:16:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I come from a long line of relatives. I have 9 brothers and sisters. I thank god everyday that I have a big family. I am close to mostly all my cousins and I am grateful to have them. I like the family reunions when we can share fond memories. It is great. and now that I have children, I make sure that they spend the most time that they can with their cousins as they can.
2007-01-31 14:15:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I only hang out with people I actually like. So the parts of my family who do not know how to behave do not see me. So my son will not know his great-aunt, great-uncle and their two kids. Others may be added if they do not stop the racism.
2007-01-31 14:24:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's up to the parents, but me personally I have 3 boys and they don't have a strong relationship with cousins in my family and I don't think that your family should guilt you into a relationship if you don't want one.
2007-01-31 14:15:04 · answer #8 · answered by COURTNEY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you first start having children it's nice for them to have playmates, i.e. cousins, to get together with. My kids were close to their cousins in the earlier years, but as time passed their lives changed according to their interests and how we parented them, so they grew apart. I think family is important. When all else fails, they can be additional support for you. You can probably achieve the same effect with close friends.
2007-01-31 14:14:49 · answer #9 · answered by Le'Anna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's vital at all. I didn't have that and really don't force it at all on my own kid. The best thing for you to consider if you ever decide to have kids, is whether or not your spouse feels the same way. There's nothing worse than feeling like your spouse is pushing a "close" relationship with relatives. I've sort of dealt with this a bit but have stood my ground on letting our son build his OWN relationship with whomever he wants to.
2007-01-31 14:12:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋