Niece ruined my phone case, DSis and BIL refusing to replace it

[losingweightandgainingconfidence]

This is possibly the pettiest thing to ever be posted on here but I need to know if I'm going insane.

I (F25) purchased myself a Rhode phone case - it's a phone case that holds your lip balm in the back of it. Absolutely a frivolous and silly purchase, but I'd had my eye on one for ages and wanted one. They're expensive, but I got it as a treat to myself for losing weight. (I've lost a large amount of weight this year and wanted to treat myself)

My niece (5) has been obsessed won't this phone case. She's into all things makeup and girlie, and loves it. over the weekend my DSis, BIL and DN came over for lunch. I'm sat in the lounge chatting to them all, and my niece is off colouring somewhere. I've obviously left my phone on the side somewhere, probably on charge. She walks in grinning from ear to ear, holding my phone.

She's written her name all over the case, she's drawn smiley faces and the like. It won't come off, I've tried soaking it and everything.

My DSis immediately blamed me, because I "know how much she likes it" and my BIL said I may as well give it to her now as she's made it her own. I've said that if that's the case, I expect a replacement. It's not cheap and while yes it may have been seen as a waste of money, I work and I bought myself a treat.

I'm beyond angry, because it's my personal properly. AIBU to expect them to replace it?

😂😂

She didn’t think it through the sister did she? Expected no push back and to turn up at the weekend looking for her free babysitter.
Now OP has stood up for herself, she’s gone off on one.
What sane, single 25 year old wants to be an unpaid babysitter the weekend before Christmas? Fair enough if you are appreciated.
This sister has no right to judge OP on any front. She has every right to live how she wants to live.
I actually feel a bit sorry for the niece. I know she’s been badly behaved but she’s clearly being indulged and it means she misses out on time with an auntie she has fun with.
But OP needs to stand her ground now.
These people are CFs and have been using her.

It’s also very common for people to be mean to someone close to them who has lost weight. I have seen it so many times. It’s awful.

Well done OP.

I am so glad you have pushed back on your sister.

My then just 4 year old (with ADHD it transpires) drew on our canvas dining chairs - never did come off. I know she couldn't resist the texture but she got told enough as she knew your draw on paper.

I would have been mortified had it been at someone else house!

Absolutely agree with you. But out of interest I googled this case.

As a 62 year old who rarely wears make up I know I am not the target audience. Nevertheless, I think it is a cute and clever design. Hope you get a new one that you like, OP.

So this spells out what is really important to her.

Free baby sitting.

They laughed in your face re a replacement but now they're not getting the babysitting, all of a sudden they're promising a replacement?!

This is worse than laughing at you in the first place.

They can jog on.

Bloody well done for texting your sis.
I hope this thread has opened your eyes to see how she treats you.
She will soon realise the effect of her lack of parenting when you're not around for childcare.
Stand firm
I love the present you swapped the Barbie for!

Well done for standing up for yourself @losingweightandgainingconfidence . Completely irrelevant whether people like the case, or that she’s “only 5”, clearly your sister doesn’t respect you as an adult so she can live with the (exceedingly mild) consequences.

Enjoy the spa!

Child labour laws lave long been ignored and kids working was needed for those on low incomes and in poverty back in the day and in many places child labour is the norm. Who mines the lithium for our batteries in some places? 5 year olds. We can pretend that it doesn't happen these days but it does. And we benefit from it so most turn a blind eye and pretend it isn't the case.

Just shows what 5 year olds are capable of. Doesn't mean I agree with it but it shows the capability of kids when it is expected of them. There has been a steady decline in skills as we wipe kids arses literally for far too long.

If you have no plans though that reinforces that you could babysit, but have chosen not to!

Well done OP. They were taking the piss. By the way, even if a replacement turns up for you, I’d still be putting a brake on the free childcare until they lay off the (clearly jealous) snarky comments.

Fill that diary!

Good for you standing up to your sister @losingweightandgainingconfidence

Do something nice for yourself next weekend, and don't back down on the babysitting. You have taken your power back, and shown your sister that she can't take the piss any longer.

I also wouldn't put up with any more negative comments from them. It's none of their business what you do, or what you spend your money on, and I suspect that your sister is secretly jealous of you.

Slow typer, I missed your last post
A firm no to babysitting on Saturday
Enjoy whatever else you do

You rock, OP!

I've read some guff on this site but this one was special. So thanks for that.

I have provided far more childcare than I've taken, and have accepted that the word aunt means something. Each and every one of my nieces and nephews are blessings bestowed upon me and I am proud as balls of every one. I will be there when they need anything, whether that's a telling off or a hug.

Does that upset you? Because the presumptive personal attack was both inaccurate and irrelevant.

I've read all your replies and I think you're hilarious, you dont seem to take anything too serious and even your replies to the usual few mumsnetters who will always have something negative to say are great!! I wish I had a niece like you. Stick to your guns and let them get another babysitter, and enjoy your Christmas 😊

I would not give them any presents for Xmas, return what you got them and get yourself a new case.

I would also be tempted to give the ruined case as a birthday present your niece, or your sister.

It's good you're feeling pissed off, because that feeling is a clear sign that you know you're in the right and you've had enough of CF family members who think they can treat you badly and get away with it. Dig your heels in OP and don't capitulate, even if that £38 suddenly appears in your bank account.

Aw thank you, sometimes a lot of her digs do get me down and get me worrying that I'm not at the right place in my life, but hearing that from someone has made me smile!

She's a bully.
Get yourself off to a spar and have some me time.

You are SO NOT BEING PETTY. Babysitting is a favour and you’re not feeling like doing these people a favour at the moment because they’ve been disrespectful and unkind to you. It’s a lesson they need to learn as much as their daughter.

Get yourself off to a spar

I don't think that they sell Rhode phone cases😉

"A Spar"??

That sounds like a riot 😂