Sad about My Nephew

[Angeleyes7715]

Hi it was my nephew's birthday he just turned 13 and I haven't said happy birthday or contacted him or got him anything.

Long story short big fight caused me not to really visit with my sister and her husband so I don't see my neices and nephew... I also am terrible at socializing and communicating ( clinically diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthimia, and OCPD)

I sent them a letter of apology like a person on the form suggested and I took my mom to see the baby as suggested and I visit my mom and help her weekly. My sister and her husband just insisted that my apology wasn't sincere enough and they never made an effort to say an apology to me.

I just wish I could do something to show my neices and nephew I do love them still and haven't completely just abandoned them. Its not like any of the disagreement is their fault, they are good kids and they really like seeing me.

 

[Sketcher]

Send him a present that aligns with his interest, and say Happy Birthday. That will be a start.

 

[Southernscotty]

I am sure they know that you love them. Send them a text and just say "hey, I love ya cuz"
[or whatever].
Let them know that you are not trying to ignore them, However you just have a lot on your plate right now to deal with.

 

[brinny]

Hi it was my nephew's birthday he just turned 13 and I haven't said happy birthday or contacted him or got him anything.

Long story short big fight caused me not to really visit with my sister and her husband so I don't see my neices and nephew... I also am terrible at socializing and communicating ( clinically diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthimia, and OCPD)

I sent them a letter of apology like a person on the form suggested and I took my mom to see the baby as suggested and I visit my mom and help her weekly. My sister and her husband just insisted that my apology wasn't sincere enough and they never made an effort to say an apology to me.

I just wish I could do something to show my neices and nephew I do love them still and haven't completely just abandoned them. Its not like any of the disagreement is their fault, they are good kids and they really like seeing me.

Send him a card, although belated, it will be a GOOD thing to do. My hunch says that he will be happy to receive it. Apologize in the card for your imperfections (nobody's perfect, dear one, and your 13 year old nephew will understand perhaps more than you might be aware of). It's what you do NOW that matters, not an guffaws or mistakes or stalemates that happened in the past. Ask him if he forgives you (he will). By sending the card, etc. it will be healing for you and your nephew both.

Stuff happens.

We apologize.

And at the same time, we teach children that nobody's perfect, and that they need not worry about being perfect either.

For the most part, they're relieved to hear this, and it gives them permission to be less than perfect as well, which is part of being a human being.

(i saw a belated birthday card with a sad faced puppy on it apologizing for its belatedness. How can anyone resist that, especially a 13 year old nephew? Make sure you send hugggggs too)

 

[MumOf4Grls]

I'm sorry you are going through so much. Hopefully with time, there can be some reconciliation between you and your sister. Could you send your nephew a birthday card (and if the budget allows, a gift card) and let him know you are thinking about him? It's always fun to receive mail from people you love! Sending hugs and prayers!