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12:00, 06/07/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Anonymous
star_2
My foster nephew is now out of school for the summer, and alone for several hours each day while his foster parents are working. Because of his foster status and history, he's not allowed to leave the house during the day. How can I (from 75 miles away) help motivate him to pass at least part of his time in productive/challenging pursuits, so that he doesn't rot his brain in front of the TV all day?
You don't mention your foster nephew's age. I assume he is older than 10 or 11years since he is being left alone.It hurts me to think of a boy having to stay home alone for the day; so, the first poss...
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12:00, 05/10/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Joyful
star_5
My sister is aunt to my two teenage sons and my brother's two teenage daughters. She has alienated them by trying to act like a parent one too many times. I am very upset by this because she and I are very close and I don't know how to tell her why they feel the way they do without upsetting her. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, in advance, for your input.
Since teenagers by definition are engaged in the developmental challenge of moving away emotionally from their parents, perhaps your sister could understand their annoyance with her through this lens....
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12:00, 05/03/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Anonymous
star_0
How can I support my niece and nephews, whose mom and dad are currently going through a divorce? It's very difficult for all of them, and I want to be there for them.
Just your intention to be supportive is received by your niece and nephews! Being with them in a relaxed atmosphere that allows them to ask you questions or to talk about their feelings is very helpfu...
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12:00, 04/26/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Anonymous
star_5
My niece is married and has three young children. Her house is a garbage dump and her car, frankly, is a rolling garbage dump. It is not only unhealthy, but unsafe for those children. I have tried to help her clean up, but it is a lost cause.I think she may be suffering from depression and could be a hoarder. Regardless, it is those children that are paying the price. What can I do to help her?
It is so difficult to see children you love negatively impacted by their parent/s. You don’t say how old your niece’s children are; but, it is never too early to both teach and model good cleanliness ...
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12:00, 01/14/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Lynette1977
star_0
I'm trying to come up with a plan that includes the kiddies with adult conversation.All of our friends have children and so many of them crave adult conversation but always have the kids. We're a group of primarily professionals who crave deep conversation so I want to do a bi-monthly cultural dinner where everyone brings a dish from a specified country.My snag, though, is finding something educational and entertaining for the kids that has to do with the culture at hand. Some of the kids are in...
What a great idea and what a great way for children to learn! As a language and speech pathologist, I commend your wanting to include the children in the conversation. It will not only improve their s...
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04:28, 01/04/09
Dear Savvy Auntie, User:
Anonymous
star_5
I have 3 nieces ages 5, 3 and 5 months old. My brother is a good dad, my sis in law I thought was an ok mom.Lately I've been noticing that she is kind of neglecting my nieces. My brother works, she stays at home...doing nothing all day living off the system. She smokes marijuana a few times a day, often with other guy friends. She "gets it ready" while not shielding my nieces from it. Then she goes out to the back porch & smokes it. You can still smell it in the house. She smokes cigarettes ...
Oh, my heart goes out to you; it is so painful to witness neglect and mistreatment of young children you love. Here are some suggestions:1 - Speak with your SIL compassionately, as she is obviously se...
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