I know this sounds mean but my whole family treats my nephew like he's still a baby, and I'm worried if I don't step in he's going to be a failure to launch.
It was his seventh birthday the other week, and of course my family lost their minds, making a special cake just for him, spending the whole week spoiling him, and acting like him being born was some great achievement.
The argument started when it came time for presents, the rest of the family all either got him stuffed toys or snacks that he likes, but I wanted to encourage him to expand himself so I got him a book.
My sister pointed out that he doesn't like books and can't even read, and I replied that that was the problem.
I understand that working full time doesn't give her a lot of time to homeschool him, but she doesn't seem at all bothered by his lack of development.
Here's where I might be the arsehole, my nephew was walking around with a toy in his mouth. ( I understand it's supposed to help when he's overstimulated but it's creepy as hell.) I tried taking it off him and swapping it for the book I bought.
He threw a massive tantrum so I calmly explained that the other people will think he's weird for still chewing toys at his age.
My sister overhead and absolutely lost her mind, apparently he's "perfect" and "I'm just jealous that everyone likes him."
Personally I don't think I'm wrong for refusing to enable him, but my family are blowing up my phone.