Is my aunt correct?

[Anonymous]

So I was sweeping the house and its full of plastic packaging of candies, empty bottles of coke or juices that my 5 years old nephew threw all of it on the floor of the house when he is finished eating. I got mad and cleaned it and scolded him that he should throw it in the trash can. My aunt said if "I can sweep the floor then I can clean his trash too, it just a trash dont get mad just clean it!" I said "Im not forever cleaning his trash he should learn not to litter"

[Oliverlogan263]

I think your aunt has a point, but you do too. Here's how I see it:

Your aunt is right that it's your job to keep the house clean, whether it's regular sweeping or picking up kid trash. But just cleaning up after him all the time won't teach your nephew good habits either.

Maybe try explaining to your nephew gently why littering isn't good - it makes more work for you, other people, and is bad for the environment. Then show him the right way to throw things away so he learns.

You could also make it fun - turn trash cleanup into a game where he races you or gets a small reward after. Positive reinforcement works better than just scolding.

I'd say still clean up for now, but start having your nephew help too in an age-appropriate way. And if he litters again, calmly remind him to do better instead of getting too mad. He's still learning.

Maybe your aunt will understand if you explain you want him to grow up taking responsibility. Compromise is key - you do the cleaning, but nephew starts learning good habits too. Does that balance it out okay?

[Sparkie460]

She's totally wrong. She should teach her kid to clean up after himself or she does it. You're not his maid or mother. You should have handed her the broom

[Sparkie460]

Thanks for the mho

[Saiesh30]

Ofcourse she's wrong. Values are inculcated in kids from young and this is something very basic.
Although you shouldn't have scolded him either. Perhaps that's what got your aunt respond like that.

[OfDeath]

You need to discipline that child so he doesn’t make a mess.

[Danny_dan92]

Teach the kid to clean up after himself