AIBU for blowing out my nephew’s birthday candles as a joke

[AliceNotInChains]

My nephews 6th birthday party yesterday. He was struggling to blow all the candles out so I jokingly blew the remaining ones out for him. My sister went on a full on strop over it saying I ruined his moment. AIBU to think she’s completely over reacting?? She ended up relighting the candles for him to “have another go” making it a much bigger deal than it needed to be.

This sets a really low bar for empathy.
This is probably only the fourth time in his memory that he is given the chance to blow out the candles on his own birthday cake (He wont remember at least the first two.) The gap between each birthday seemed forever at that age. He would be excited about his birthday for weeks. And then an adult spoils it for him- his smile was probably disbelief that a familiar adult would do that and was probably more down to surprise. The fact that his Mother felt the need to relight his candles shows his true feelings - I do not for one minute believe he wasn't bothered. I work with that age group and the only way he wouldn't be bothered is if being let down or humiliated by his Aunt is a common occurrence. Finding that sort of behaviour funny is not a typical reaction from a child.

It doesn’t matter if he laughed. You didn’t know that would be his reaction when you did it. Are you a grown up? Totally unacceptable.

OP, if you think MNers are being harsh, try this experiment:

Start a thread on reddit or another forum. "I took my eight-year-old daughter to her cousin's sixth birthday party. Her cousin was struggling to blow out the candles, so she blew them out for him. My sister was annoyed and relit the candles for him. My daughter is angry with her aunt for 'throwing at strop' and relighting the candles. She says she's not going to her cousin's birthday party next year."

Ask for their opinions on the eight-year-old's behaviour. Then see how they react when you reveal that this wasn't actually a child, but a grown woman at her little nephew's party.

Can someone link the biscuits thread please. TY

Way to steal a 6 year olds special moment

From where I sit, OP deserved to be embarrassed. It was a stupidly childish thing to do.

Op seems to have zero remorse

Not your place to interfere. Made yourself look petty and childish

Oh dear, looks like you have had your ass handed to you on this thread. I think I don't need to say any more.

blowing out my nephew’s birthday candles as a joke

Are you David Walliams?

Leave her and her children alone then!

Oh my God, what a horrible thing to do. The fact you even have to ask is mind-boggling.

Congratulations, everyone now thinks you're an idiot.

You are a quite horrid really.

Genuinely. I have misjudged the mood here. At first I didn’t see it that big an issue. I’m now questioning myself 😂

dick move mate

Don't.
You don't have to join the pack just because they are enjoying castigating someone.

You think the sister is bang out of order because she didn't want her adult sister blowing out her child's candles?

Horrible move OP, sorry.

If this is the same sister that you have just been on holiday with maybe you need a bit of space from each other? If you have two sisters you seem to be annoying them both.

I have lived in a country where kids could only dream of having a birthday party with presents and a cake. They don’t get upset over small disappointments and appreciative the smallest things in life.

Was that because their families were very, very poor and couldn't afford to provide what they dearly wished they could for their children, though; or was it because they could easily have afforded to buy presents and a cake, but just thought it might be a fun joke to not bother giving their children anything?

This. Also what a strange thing to do given your history of a poor relationship with your sister. In that context, it’s just a bit hard to believe you didn’t intend to tread on your sisters toes a little, trying to get her back up a bit, without being mega obvious about it.

Funny how you mention this AFTER everyone has pointed out you're a twat.

You wouldn't be invited back to my kids parties.

Well we’re going out tomorrow for a walk at a national trust site but after that I think I’ll keep my distance for a bit

Good. Your sister will appreciate that

Why do you persist in inflicting yourself on your sister, who you clearly dislike? Take yourself off instead, and have the day you deserve.