To think niece should remember what we gave her for Christmas

[SidSparrow]

So we got niece a nice bracelet for her Christmas - she's 7. Was first time meeting her as she lives abroad. We got her that and some other small books and things. Anyway, I asked her if she liked the bracelet we gave her and she didn't even remember it. Now, she didn't get a lot for Christmas since they're doing Christmas when they go home. I did put a bit of thought into it - was a charm bracelet with charms suited to her interests, so I thought she would have at least remembered it, Christmas day was only 4 days ago! Anyway, we've just been out and about and she wanted a keyring, so I bought her it and when we got back she left it in the car.

Now, AIBU to think that perhaps she's just a bit ungrateful? I'm not too fussed, if she is, then it'll make future birthdays and Christmases much easier (card and money). It's like she tore open her presents and never looked back at them. I'd like to think DD won't be like that when she gets to that age, but maybe there is nothing wrong with this...? I'm genuinely confused.

I'm in my 50s and I remember gifts I was given when I was 7!

Most children are spoiled nowadays—call me a mean old bat if you like, but it's true.

Spied exactly.

My DD (6) asked for ages for a specific present from Father Christmas. She got said present and it was the first one she opened and played with it immediately. The next day when she was asked what she got she completely forgot about it and focussed instead on a unicorn notebook she got, because that was the present she had taken with her that day. From Christmas morning to Boxing Day morning, it's only 24 hours, but for a child where so much has happened in that time - seeing other people, getting other presents, a complete change in routine - it can seem like days. Also, remember that at that age their minds are digesting so much from being at school and constantly learning about the world around them. It's understandable that one present could be forgotten about. It's also possible that her parents had said she couldn't wear it all the time so as not to ruin it, which would have further pushed it from her mind.

For what it's worth, my daughter would love to receive jewellery. She loves role play and "being the Mummy" and to her she would see a bracelet as a grown up thing that she gets to wear. With that said, in the future maybe look at a "make your own jewellery" kit. It's something you can "do" so she might get more enjoyment from it, plus you could do it together.

Op of course you aren't being unreasonable. At seven I'd certainly have expected my dc to remember to thank their aunts and uncles for Christmas presents. Perhaps it reflects more on her parents than it does on her, they should have prompted her to thank you before you met.

I think at 7 it's upto the parents to remind their kids who certain gifts were from . I've always done this with my children, so when they take a toy out to play with, for example, just remind them that it was from granny and grandpa.
That way when asked by said grandparents they will remember.
Maybe her parents have packed her gifts away but will remind her when she wears it that it was from auntie Sidsparrow.

At 7 Christmas can be pretty overwhelming. I don't think she is ungrateful just because she couldn't remember the bracelet (out of a number of presents you alone had given her let alone presents from others) and during a busy period with lots going on. I think it is pretty mean to decide your DN wasn't grateful enough and then not bother in future. Give because you want to, particularly as you won't see her often - it shows that she is in your thoughts. I think it's extremely petty to decide a 7 year old who you barely know didn't act in your imagined way she should have and then you are essentially writing off your relationship with her! You may find your DC doesn't turn out to be as 'perfect' as you imagine. As for leaving the key ring in the car - par for the course due to short attention span. Don't take it personally! Please don't hold a grudge against a 7 year old for the rest of her life!

Oh, but for the record my 7 year old would love a unicorn charm bracelet! She actually asked for a charm bracelet for Christmas.

Of course she’s ungrateful. What are all of these ‘she’s 7 ’ posts about?

If you’re old enough to ask for things, you’re old enough to be grateful for them. It doesn’t matter if she’s not into jewellery, it was a gift. She should be thankful and her parents should have made sure she at least appeared so.

No wonder there are so many brats these days.

Don't worry OP it sounds like you have been a fab auntie

At that age my DD would have remembered every book you had bought her but probably not the bracelet.

It sounds like you are forging a lovely relationship with her.

At only 7 (when I was 7 that is) I was expected to say thank you (when I saw the person) AND write a thank you note. Manners seem to have gone out of fashion.