Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Not allowed to say no to 3 yr old niece

219 replies

Scotti84 · 25/01/2022 01:52

My DHs sister has 2 kids, 3 and 8 yrs old, and we have a 4 month old and apparently have very different parenting opinions. The 3 year old is very cute and funny, but shes very obviously the favorite child of my SIL and is allowed to do whatever she wants, which is fine but not when it comes to our daughter. When we first took her round after she was born my SIL gave our daughter a bottle and just passed it to our niece to feed DD, didnt ask if it was OK and then laughed because obviously she couldn't do it properly and was disinterested so DD couldnt get the milk. Since then if we gave her a bottle her Dad feeds her or I've stuck to breastfeeding but 3 Yr old always wants to do it and tries to take the bottle from us. I take DD to another room to BF and 3 yr old wants to come with, DH keeps her out but then she tantrums and SIL and MIL say things like ok go and watch but just be quiet. She is allowed to wipe DDs bum and put cream on when they change her nappy, she asks constantly to hold her but as soon as she has her on her knee she doesnt hold her properly and DD is very wriggly atm, she almost rolled off her lap last time. I know she's only 3 so she isny old enough to do things properly but we aren't allowed to say no to her at all. She takes all DDs toys and dummies etc out of our bag and holds them by the teat, or chews her teething toys and if they visit us she moves all her stuff about (the disinfected bottles or my breastfeeding corner stuff) or goes into DDs room and rags all the toys there onto the floor and goes through all her clothes without asking. We have to hide everything before she comes (and put it all back after) which is just extra work i dont need. We're not allowed to ask her to wash her hands before she touches DD or to ask her not to get too close if she has a cold because she always wants to kiss her face which I hate anyone doing. DH has been told hes too hard on her and should let her do what she wants, but when it comes to things relating to our child shouldnt we be able to say no? I was always taught to ask before touching things that weren't mine. I dont think we're being harsh, we dont discipline her with things that arent to do with DD, and obviously a 3 yr old is nosy and wants to play, which is fine but there has to be some boundaries. Were not assholes to her, we ask nicely and explain, but if we say please don't do that, that's being too harsh!? We're starting to dread going round because we don't know how to deal with the situation now, his SIL won't accept that there's things we're not happy with her doing, but she also cried last time because she doesn't see our DD enough. Can't bloody win!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
ThumbWitchesAbroad · 25/01/2022 10:44

Also I feel desperately sorry for the 8yo in this situation.
I have 2 boys who are 5 years apart and would never allow the younger to take over like this!
Your SIL is creating a really really bad situation in the next few years - her older child is likely to seriously resent the younger one and refuse to have anything to do with her if this pandering is allowed to continue.

stayathomer · 25/01/2022 10:45

The baby comes first! I'd totally continue the way you're going tell her sorry but you can't feed her. I was going to say use an excuse like she's very hungry but don't. There's no need for it to be a big thing, an argument or anything but it needs to become the norm that she doesn't play with your baby like she's a doll!

Roselilly36 · 25/01/2022 10:47

YANBU, ridiculous to let a 3 yo, supported by her mum, dictate to you. Nothing short of bullying. Stand up for yourself OP Flowers I know it is hard, but think of it the other way round, would SIL put up with it? No, of course not and neither should you be expected too.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

2022success · 25/01/2022 10:48

OP you need to ask yourself why you are more worried about SIL/MIL being upset than you are about your own DC health, safety and wellbeing.

RampantIvy · 25/01/2022 10:52

Mum said 'failing to teach a little boy the word no creates a man who won't hear the word no.'

That's brilliant @SocialConnection. I need to remember that.

AryaStarkWolf · 25/01/2022 10:52

I can't believe what i read about the 8 year old and Christmas presents, that's awful, that poor child. At least you can walk away and don't have to put up with her! (which you absolutely should do every time)

CurryLover55 · 25/01/2022 10:59

That thing with the pile of Christmas presents makes me want to weep for that poor child 😥

Mix56 · 25/01/2022 11:00

Yes indeed,
& I would also shut lock the bedroom when this child comes round. & when she tries to go in, say Sorry, its not your room, & I don't have time to tidy.
Put your bag with baby stuff out of her reach, "No, its the baby's & all clean & sterile".
"If you want to touch the baby you'll need to wash your hands" etc.
If they get arsey, so be it.

Cover the other child with love for behaving nicely.

ChargingBuck · 25/01/2022 11:09

@Porcupineintherough

You are allowed to say no, of course you are. But if you are wise you will think of things you are happy for her to do related to the baby - little jobs to "help", making her laugh etc because one day soon your dd will think she's the best thing ever and want to play with her. And then she'll be the annoying one.
Not sure I would want my child around a cousin who has been brought up to never hear the word "no."

I'm sorry for this poor little 3 year old, who OP says in SiL's clear favourite. She's going to become a Golden Child. Her poor sibling, too ... set up to become the Scapegoat - I imagine the 8 year old isn't allowed to say "no" to their sibling either.

OP - your DH's family dynamic is obviously the one SiL is recreating with her own DC. Reading your account of what has been tolerated so far - HE is not allowed to say "no" to his sister either.

You need to talk to him. Decide how you are going to stop this nonsense, & present a united front.

There are likely to be huge tantrums, from the 3 year old & her mother, & possibly any other family members who are enablers. How is DH going to respond to that do you think? Is it going to have to be you who holds the boundary, or will he back you, & let his sister manipulate, insist, tantrum, & even flounce?

You need to find the strength to resist any tactics designed to make you back down when you say NO to SiL. It's not the 3 year old that needs tackling - you can physically separate yourself, baby & stuff from the child - it's SiL's ridiculous differing parenting options.
You need to tell her that she is welcome to parent how she chooses, but you are also doing just that, & YOUR parenting style is that you are unhappy with your baby being used as a dolly & are no longer tolerating it.

Then let the chips fall.
If it means not seeing SiL & co for a while - so what?

worriedatthemoment · 25/01/2022 11:11

I don't find iit weird to let a relative change a bum or give a bottle my sil did all this with mine and vice versa
Its seems in mn no one can touch a baby other than parents at times
Re: kissing baby maybe encourage her to kiss babies feet as face is risky and explain why
Other things just continue to say no tough lucj if your sil doesn't like it
I wouldn't have an issue in my 3 year old niece helping with nappy change, bottle feeding etc as long as mostly adult doing
Put pulling my bag out i would remove and say no same as bedroom i would bring a few toys down for them to play as say not allowed in the room
The worst you can do is offend them but sounds like that wouldn't bother you so just be firm

worriedatthemoment · 25/01/2022 11:19

Also you dh needs to explain to your mil you won't go around if they can't listen and if Mil wants to see gd she can visit on her own
That said personally a few things like helping her hold baby , giving her a job to help etc i don't see as a big deal , 3 year olds want to help and soon your baby will be shoving all things in their mouth so the not hand washing won't be such a big deal as it is now whilst little

LittleOwl153 · 25/01/2022 11:28

Well the dynamic here is clear isn't it?

SIL is the golden child DH the scapegoat
DN3 the golden child /golden grandchild, DN8 and DD the scapegoats.

It is the 8yr old I feel most sorry for- as your DD at least has you WHO MUST stand up for her!

LittleOwl153 · 25/01/2022 11:30

Perhaps other posters can suggest some "golden child" reading material for the DH?

ChargingBuck · 25/01/2022 11:39

For me if they cant respect what we want, they just wont see her but it's crap for DD as theyre the only family we have here and we wanted her to obviously have a good relationship with them.

It's good that you know where holding your boundary may lead OP, & that you are prepared to just not see them if they won't hear you.
But please do not worry about DD's "relationship" with your domineering, manipulative, dysfunctional SiL & MiL.

You have every right to feel aghast at SiL's instruction to DH that "he is not allowed to say no" to his niece, & your MiL's pandering to what is probably her own favourite child & GC by telling you what you ought to tolerate happening to your baby.
You would also be very reasonable in not wanting those characters around your child as she grows up.

These fortnightly visits - why are they always at MiL's? Can they, or just MiL on her own, not come to yours?

ChargingBuck · 25/01/2022 11:42

@Toanewstart22

You don’t seem all that keen on your 3 year old niece

I reckon your SIL has sensed that

And so tries to overcome it but really involving her

You don't seem to understand how cause & effect works, @Toanewstart22
JudgeJ · 25/01/2022 12:02

@Toanewstart22

You don’t seem all that keen on your 3 year old niece

I reckon your SIL has sensed that

And so tries to overcome it but really involving her

Are you the dopey SIL?

The OP doesn't have to be 'keen' on anyone who seems hell-bent on hurting her baby, whatever the age. Someone isn't taking good care of the 3 year old by allowing her to behave so badly.

cherryonthecakes · 25/01/2022 12:14

These fortnightly visits - why are they always at MiL's? Can they, or just MiL on her own, not come to yours?

The 3yo trashes DD's room by emptying her drawers etc I would be telling my sister this is why I don't invite her round.

Scotti84 · 25/01/2022 12:21

@ChargingBuck we have tried inviting MIL and FIL here, but MIL likes playing hostess and because theyre all in the same house they always say it makes more sense to go there. They never text or call and ask if they can drop by, it does very much feel like we are expected to fit into their plans despite us being new parents with our first child.

OP posts:
ChargingBuck · 25/01/2022 12:33

we have tried inviting MIL and FIL here, but MIL likes playing hostess and because theyre all in the same house they always say it makes more sense to go there.
Yeah, had a feeling it was about their own territory & convenience.
Next time MiL tells you "it makes more sense", tell her that you disagree, as it's actually more work for you, packing up baby & kit.
You could even try "we'd like to just host you & FiL for a quieter visit this time" & see if she bites.

They never text or call and ask if they can drop by, it does very much feel like we are expected to fit into their plans despite us being new parents with our first child.
Of course they expect you to fit in with them, without ever considering your preference or convenience. MiL & SiL rule the roost, & are teaching the 3 year old how to do it too.

Start declining these fortnightly command performances.
Reduce them, so maybe you accept the summons invitation every other time. Or send DH on his own "Scott & baby are having a quiet one today, they didn't get much sleep last night."

You need to stop pandering to these domineering women, & you need to start that right now, before your baby grows up to be either golden childed or scapegoated by them & the 3 year old.

Good luck OP - stick to your guns!

MananaTomorrow · 25/01/2022 13:03

@LittleOwl153

Well the dynamic here is clear isn't it?

SIL is the golden child DH the scapegoat
DN3 the golden child /golden grandchild, DN8 and DD the scapegoats.

It is the 8yr old I feel most sorry for- as your DD at least has you WHO MUST stand up for her!

Unfortunatly, I think you are right @LittleOwl153

The story of the 8yo at christmas is heartbreaking tbh.

MananaTomorrow · 25/01/2022 13:05

@Scotti84 what does your dh think of all of that?

Does he actually want to go and see his mum and sister seeing what happens there?
Wouold he be happy to go low contact?

Ellie56 · 25/01/2022 13:12

[quote Scotti84]@ChargingBuck we have tried inviting MIL and FIL here, but MIL likes playing hostess and because theyre all in the same house they always say it makes more sense to go there. They never text or call and ask if they can drop by, it does very much feel like we are expected to fit into their plans despite us being new parents with our first child.[/quote]
Stop fitting into their plans.

"That doesn't work for us."

Hoppinggreen · 25/01/2022 13:19

Start setting your boundaries now to protect your child
I posted up thread about my niece and it only got worse as she got older. She became very fixed on my DD (4 years older) and had tantrums if not allowed the access to her she wanted. DD was usually very patient but she had recently acquired a little brother too so did have her limits.
It all came to a head when we were visiting and mil, sil and niece popped to the shop. DD came back in tears as she had been told off for being nasty by sil.
It transpired that DD wanted item A so DN did too. DD didn’t want them both to have the same so asked for B instead. Unfortunately there was only 1 B so DN then wanted it and had a tantrum. DD (about 7 at the time) was asked to hand over B but she refused. She was then told she was mean and nasty and wasn’t being nice to her cousin.
I epically lost my shit and as I said earlier, we don’t see them much now.
Sorry it’s so long but the point is they will chuck your child under the bus to keep their child happy and you must let them.

worriedatthemoment · 25/01/2022 14:33

Just tell your mil it doesn't suit you to always go there and invite is there take it or leave ir or rather your dh tell her that

MummyWoodentop · 25/01/2022 14:49

at xmas they just get one pile of prezzies without names on that could be for either of them, 3yo rips them all open before 8yo has chance
I've NEVER heard of this before - poor 8 year old how disappointing for her.