Sibling favouritism

[BackInTime]

DSis has 3 DC and very obviously favours her eldest DS. He is the golden child that is clever, sporty and popular and she talks constantly about him and his achievements to anyone who will listen. Her youngest is doted on as she is the youngest and only girl leaving her DS2 to be referred to as the ‘naughty one’. He is a great kid but I can’t help feeling he seems to be playing up to get his parents to notice him and I worry how this will affect him long term.

WIBU to mention this to DSis? I doubt she will listen but it is so blatant that I should.

If I were you I would make a point of spending one on one time with him, to try and minimize the effects of his parents labeling. Be the aunt that believes in him, tells him what he's great at and fights his corner. I doubt telling your sister and her partner will achieve anything other than them completely denying that they treat him differently.

I think that's all you can do. Show a special interest in him, take him out or have him to stay without the other two.
He will notice. I only have 2dc and they were forever (falsely) accusing me of favouring the other when they were little. To the point of having to have exactly the same bag of sweets in the shop.

I always try and make a fuss of him and make a special point of asking DSis about him when she rabbits on to much about her golden child. She is always so negative about him it’s awful to hear. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by other family members either.

It’s great he has you to champion him and it will mean a lot to him.

Your sister sounds both horrible and thick. I agree that you could be giving your other nephew more attention but I do think you should also speak to your sister about it. She might think it isn't noticeable but in case she is so stupid that she doesn't realise how much she is damaging her own child, someone needs to tell her. Clearly! Do not hint!

You could be very important in improving your nephew's whole childhood.

Sounds like your nephew will grow up with middle child syndrome. Never as precious and special as first born, not the baby (spoilt rotten) third. My DH is a middle child, we try discreetly to take a extra interest in our middle child nephew. DH fully aware of the way he is treated, as been there, bought the hat etc. Make a special fuss of him without the other 2 realising, otherwise they will rip the p* out of him for being Aunties favourite