Is this normal?

[BrittHarris]

I live with my sister and her hubby any their two kids and we fight all the time about how they treat their oldest one.

Here is what they bitch about with her!



She doesn't shower on her own like she should (shes only 7)

She doesn't tell them when she needs her clothes washed

She doesn't brush her teeth without being told

She takes to long to eat dinner

There is a lot more that's just the main ones.

But get this! They shower like once a week. They even bitch at me because Ii "shower too much" I've never seen them brush their teeth unless they have to go to the dentist and at dinner they are always asking their daughter to go get this get that do this like ever 5 mins.

I tell them all the time if you have a certain way you want your kids to act and certain things you want them to do all the time with out having to be told. Then you have to show them that its something that has to be done. Kids live by example and they do what they see. Money see money do ya know. Just tell me if I'm wrong or right here.

[April]

Well at 7 she still needs to be reminded of things. They can't expect her to be fully self sufficient. From what you've said your sister's parenting style is very different than my own. While I think it's fine to be irritated I don't think you have any business telling her what she's doing is wrong or offering parenting advice. People can get very defensive when it comes to their kids.

If you really feel as though they neglect their children and that it's an abusive situation (verbally, emotionally, physically) then I would move out, tell my sister something needs to change because her children are at risk and let her know if she doesn't change then you'll have no problem filing a report with child protective services.

Children absolutely learn behavior through example. At the very least while you're staying there perhaps you can encourage their children to brush their teeth. Maybe take them to the bathroom with you when you brush yours and make up a silly song about it... I don't know. Try to be a positive influence for the remainder of your time there and don't get caught up in the squabbling. You don't want your niece to learn to be argumentative from your example either- and since you are staying there you also are an influence.

[Lesae]

Nope you are right. 7 is still very young. Help her out and be on her side or she is going to be one messed up kid. Let her know you are there for her and are on her side. Bad Parenting. Once a week? Gosh, they would really hate me. I shower sometimes 2 times a day.