Taking my annoying little 8-yr. old cousin. How can I tell her mom that I don't want to take her (but I do want to take her older sister who's my age).
{peace}
2007-08-26 08:37:07 · 10 answers · asked by Aly ♥ 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just tell her nicely that today you also want to have some fun so could someone else please do the babysitting so you can spend some nice time with your older cousin.
2007-08-26 08:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your aunt that you want to go shopping with each of them individually. You want time alone with each of them to make it special. I realize that it means two trips but you can make the one with the cousin your age a bigger excursion than the one with the 8 year old.
You might also make the excuse that the two of you are also going to see a movie that is not appropriate for an 8 year old.
It will keep peace in the family and you just might learn to like the 8 year old a little more. If that is not the result, something goes very wrong, then you have a reason to give your aunt later when you tell her you only want to go out with the one your age.
2007-08-26 09:09:15 · answer #2 · answered by Huba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to deal with most situations like this is to strike up a compromise. For example, if you're going shopping for two days, ask if you and your cousin can go alone on one of those days and volunteer to take your younger cousin the next day.
Adults tend to respond best to negotiations like this .. so try to barter your time a bit. Offer to doing something that includes the 8 year old and ask for time alone.
As a once *very* annoying 8 year old cousin myself - I know I really appreciated being able to hang out with the "big kids" even though I hated bring my younger cousins along for stuff once I got a bit older.
2007-08-26 09:52:52 · answer #3 · answered by mystikalyx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does your older cousin say? Could she talk with her mom about how you and she want to go out together without her little sister? It's understandable, as older kids (I'm assuming you're kids), that you would. Maybe you two can go out shopping together without her but then do something else with her later. I'd try to stay positive, meaning I wouldn't say flat-out critical things -- like the little girl is "annoying" -- to her mom or to the little girl herself. If she really really wants to go with you, bear in mind that it's probably because she admires you so much. But she's annoying because she doesn't know how to be good company yet. Be careful not to crush her.
2007-08-26 08:48:27 · answer #4 · answered by TaDa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your cousin and see how she feels. If she gets annoyed she needs to tell her mom that she wants a "Big girls" day out. There is no reason, family or not that you have to hang out with her all the time. My mom never made my older siblings take me everywhere with them because when she was growing up her brother was 7 years younger and she had to take him with her all the time, so she didn't want them to feel obligated to take me. I did go with them sometimes if it was ok with them and their friends.
2007-08-26 11:12:15 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We all have had that annoying little cousin/sister/brother that tagged along with us. In fact, who's to say we weren't that 8 year-old at one time ourselves?
But a big part of being a family is obligation and responsibility, not always getting our way or everything we want.
Learn that simple lesson now, you'll be alot happier in the long run - I promise!
2007-08-26 08:42:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
next time the 8 year old gets added to the shopping trip make sure to clarify with the Aunt that you must have her permission to discipline the child.
My mom was saddled with a total nightmare nephew and was told dhe could discipline him if necessary.
The first time he started acting up, she explained to him calmly and simply that if she snapped her fingers at him, he was to straighten up. IF he continued and she ended up snapping her fingers three times he was going to get a spanking.
he behaved like an angel and still adores my mom.
2007-08-27 10:47:41 · answer #7 · answered by Will Y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let your aunt know that you need sometime with people your age that you want to beable to go out and have fun instead of feeling like you have to babysit. I am sure she will understand after all she was young once
2007-08-26 08:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by ~~Just me~~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you could do this next time you go out....be the first to offer the invitation and specifically yet politely say who do you intend to bring.....if it helps you could make an excuse that you need advice on buying something an eight year old could not help or you will be going to do shopping that an eight year old would find boring....eg bra shopping, ball gown
2007-08-26 08:42:12 · answer #9 · answered by soundfamiliar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say "this shopping trip isn't going to include anyone under the age....- we are shopping and going for beers"
I doubt she'll want her little girl hanging out with you at the bar.
2007-08-26 08:43:06 · answer #10 · answered by Do I need a mint? 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋