Frustrated Uncle Asks If It Was Cruel To Tell His Spoiled 10-Year-Old Nephew That Their Family Hates Him

He agreed to babysit him when his sister needed help because no one else in their family was willing.

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• December 17, 2023

An uncle’s brutally honest approach with his bratty nephew was the wrong approach, according to a Reddit community. OP’s 10-year-old nephew, Darius, is the son of his older sister, Diana.

OP admitted that he did not like his nephew. From his point of view, Darius is an entitled brat who was never properly disciplined by his parents.

Diana makes excuses for her son each time he gets into trouble. One wonders about the excuses Diana made when her son was suspended from school for bullying and stealing from his classmates.

The rest of their family also finds it difficult to be around Darius as he is unkind to his cousins. Even OP’s tolerant mom couldn’t find the patience to babysit Darius.

OP’s dad excludes Darius on fishing trips he brings his other grandkids to. He told OP that the temptation to throw Darius into the lake and drive off is too strong.

Something unknown came over OP when he agreed to babysit Darius for a few hours after his sister called him in a panic. She had to report to work, but Darius’ babysitter was unavailable.

Predictably, Darius was upset that he had to spend a day at OP’s place. He was uncooperative, made a mess in OP’s bathroom, harassed the dog, and flipped out when OP wouldn’t let him use his work computer to play games.

OP was ready to tap out around lunchtime. He made his nephew a serving of mac and cheese which he refused to eat because he wanted OP to bring him to Wendy’s.

Darius dumped the mac and cheese on the floor. OP sighed and asked Darius if he knew that everyone in their family despised him.

He explained to the 10-year-old that he ended up at his house because his grandparents couldn’t stand him due to his behavior.

Darius cried, locked himself in the bathroom, and refused to do anything but watch TV until his mom arrived.

OP explained to his sister what had happened, and they had a massive argument.

His sister called him cruel, while he told her that she was to blame for her son’s behavior. Their family can't decide if OP went too far.

OP's frustration was understandable. However, Darius didn't need to be told that his entire family hated him.

His behavior could be changed. Telling him that his entire family loathes him isn't the way to approach the actual issue.

Darius's behavior needs to be corrected. He can only do that if the adults around him are willing to be patient and guide him to become a better person.

OP's sister is responsible for her son's hurtful behavior. She has to stop making excuses for him and address what needs changing.

Darius will remember what OP said for the rest of his life. He probably has an idea of how others feel about him, he just can't grasp the reason and doesn't have the guidance he needs to improve.

Others thought that Darius was old enough to understand what OP meant.

They said this could be the turning point for him to change his bad behavior.

They did agree on one point. Diana is responsible for how her son is treating others.

I understand why OP was fed up, but what he said to his nephew was just hurtful.

Spoiled children become entitled adults. Diana is not doing her son any favors by ignoring the concerning behavior he has been exhibiting.

OP's frustration in that moment was understandable, but what he said to his nephew was cruel. OP didn't post any update if he apologized to his nephew for what he said or if he explained why he said it.

Chelsi