To dislike my show off niece?

[complicated]

I really dislike my neice. She's 14 and such a show off attention seeker. She drives me mad.

They all came down last night and the idea was that they help me decorate as I've not been feeling up to it at all.

So we go in the bedroom and neice offers to mix paint up and create a unique colour. I said "best not as we won't be able to match it properly later on if we need more paint" so she said "I'll make enough for the full room" so I allowed her to do it.

A while later she comes running downstairs saying she's finished mixing it. So we go up to look and to be fair, it was a really nice colour and I thanked her and we started painting the walls with it.

So whilst up the ladders she started going on about her art class at school, and then about the GCSE she wants to do in art, and then the college course she wants to do it art ... I just nod politely and told her to go for it as she's clearly good at art. So she started rabbiting on about all these supposedly famous painters knowing full well I've never heard of them and so I changed the subject.

She just gets on my nerves. Everytime she speaks she shows off. She's always trying to make people laugh, always butting into conversations, always needs to be centre of attention.

I was supposed to be going to my sister's today and when I phoned this morning she said "DD is off school but it's still ok for you to come" and so I just said "actually, I'm not feeling too well, I'll leave it".

So she said "is that because DD is off school? has she done something to upset you?" and I know I'm probably been a bit mean but she drives me mad. If I did go today the whole day would be about "her".

YABU. She sounds great. Taking an interest in art and being enthusiastic and confident are positive qualities, or so I've always thought...

I hope thats not the case PD

I adore my nephew and nieces I can't wait till they are old enough to share important things with me

If she's emo of course she knows about Kurt Cobain! Who do you think is still buying Nirvana albums? It's teenagers going through the phase where they assert their individuality.

Oh dear, I'm sorry to say it, but I'm very glad you're not my auntie! YABU. She is a boisterous 14yr old with ideas and opinions and spark. She comes (willingly) to help paint your house and plays with your son who is half her age (whether you like them dressing up and playing with make up or not; your son is clearly happy to go along with it, and it's really only harmless fun). She is not an adult and may make slightly inappropriate/attention-seeking comments...but that's because she's 14 and just trying to find her feet and her plce in the world.
I hope your sister doesn't get wind of your anti-niece sentiment...though from her reaction to you on the phone, I suspect she already knows. Tread very carefully...neither will forget your comments and reactions.

YABU. Your dn is only 14. It is lovely she is sharing things with you.

I think the reason th OP is annoyed with the art information is not because she is jealous of her but she finds her annoying.

Some children are too forward, and I am not an old person who is saying this, I am in my twenties. But when I was younger I did not push my way into adults conversations all the time.

My neice always has to have everyones attention, while her sister who is one year older will happily play alone and not keep intrupting while adults are talking.

Also my neices teacher said she is too forward and is actually quite cheeky to the teacher. But my sister does not see any of this at all, and lets her away with loads. But if her older sister did this she would be in loads of trouble.

yes she probably said about Kurt Cobain to show off

yes she probably likes being the centre of attention

yes she probably thinks the world revolves around her

So What?

I think what will come out of this thread is a massive Aunt appreciation movement among Mumsnetters. Let's all hug an aunt today!

Frankly, if you were having a conversation about Eastenders, why would you not expect a 14yo to join in? Are you of the old Children-must-be-seen. And how old will she have to be before she is allowed to make any input? Forty-two?

Going off to pack now to see my nephew. He's a nice lad, but I can't see him decorating my walls tbh. And I know full well that my job as an aunt is to listen to him, and be excited about what he does, admire his cleverness- not expect him to prop up my ego. Except of course in that his showing off to me is a bit of a compliment- it means he cares about my approval. So he should.

But we all care about your approval cory

She sounds hilarious 'I thought it was Kurt Cobain'

Actually, when I was 14, I don't think I ever came out of my bedroom (except to let everyone know how great I thought I was)

This is probably just how she speaks to her 14-year-old mates! Be flattered that she sees you as a friend and not some boring elderly aunt figure who doesn't 'get it' and it totally out-of-touch!

The Kurt Cobain thing is hardly crime of the century, and even if you think she definitely wasn't joking, why not make a joke of it anyway? "Haha, WHAT? You thought that was Kurt Cobain? You nutter! Best get you off to church young lady!" (or something).

She's not going to be a teenager forever, but you're going to be her aunt for the rest of your life.

rofl Neenztwinz

I have one niece who is like this -always chattering on about all her stuff. A bit in-your-face at time. The other one doesn't open her mouth and doesn't give any opinions, probably thinks I'm boring etc etc.

I know which one I prefer.

She'll grow up and get busy in her own life in a few years.

she sounds fab

you sound like a nightmare of epic proportions

yabvu

she sounds great actually - can't really see your problem with her at all

Bless her, 14 is a tough age. Its one extreme or the other, she seems to really like you and maybe just wants to impress you?

Complicated - have we convinced you yet? Really hope you don't damage your future relationship with your neice and sister with your behaviour.

I love the idea that a 14 year old should 'play alone' rather than join in! Blimey if my dd had 'played alone' with - what, dolls? at 14 instead of chatting about EastEnders, then I would have been seriously worried about her!
Teenagers are fab. They'll watch X-Factor with you, unlike pesky husbands.

The Kurt Cobain thing is funny, maybe she has a very dry sense of humour.

I love winding older relatives up and I'm 30!!

sorry, didnt read all.

I would have said your being a bit unreasonable if I didnt have a 14 year old cousin who sounds very like your niece.

She drives me nuts!! I always feel terrible about feeling that way towards her tbh but shes just completely over the top about everything! Shes overly confident (cocky?!), dramatic and loud. Actually to a point where I feel uncomfortable around her.

so no, I understand and dont think your being unreasonable

also kurt cobain does look a little like jesus in some photographs

yabvu and sound horrid imo

complicated are you 14 too wos it summit over nuffink she said to ya.she's a show off yeah