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AIBU?

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To push back on my brother’s message apologising for my niece being rude

54 replies

AutumnLeavesandKnittedJumpers · 23/11/2025 18:01

It was my niece’s third birthday party today. Loads of kids at their house, family members and loads of cake and sweets. By the end of the party you could tell my niece was just done in, happy but exhausted. As we said bye they asked her to give me a hug and kiss and say thank you for the presents I gave her. She says thank you for the gifts but won’t give me a hug or a kiss. I say it’s fine (and it genuinely was), but her parents got really angry at her and said she was being rude.

I am really concerned about this. I don’t want her to think that she has to give other people things like hugs and kisses or she’s “rude”. I’m fine with her not doing that, she’s usually really cuddly and was obviously just overstimulated. AIBU to push back? I don’t have children so I don’t know if I am.

OP posts:
Londonrach1 · 23/11/2025 18:08

Your poor niece. She's three it's her birthday...too much for her and honestly totally understand why a small child of 3 or tbh a lot older say no to a kiss and hug. Her body her choice and that really important. Yanbu. Your poor neice

PatThePenguin · 23/11/2025 18:07

AIBU to push back? I don’t have children so I don’t know if I am.

You haven't said how you 'pushed back'?

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/11/2025 18:06

I would have, and indeed have said similar, “oh no, she shouldn’t be asked to hug anyone! It’s completely up to her, I’m going to blow her a kiss/offer a high five (do it, smile whatever the response including none) and say thanks for having me to your party”.

Absolute madness we bang on about teaching kids bodily autonomy and then people try and force young kids, especially girls, to prioritise other people’s feelings over their comfort.

Echobelly · 23/11/2025 18:04

Maybe explain to your brother about the whole concept of not demanding kids give physical affection and it's OK for them to have boundaries? maybe he's not aware of it. Tell him she was polite and you were fine with it.

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