Do I have any recourse in dealing with a bratty nephew?

[Anonymous]

Why is everyone spending so much time explaining the intricacies of anxiety?

Even if the kid has anxiety, OP is not going to fix it in a weekend visit. That’s the parents job anyway. So, to answer the actual question: yes, OP you can put the phone in the trunk. (I would give one warning, then act.)

Consistency is key with all things relating to kids. If he knows that you will not allow this in your car, then it’s much easier on everyone involved than creating a situation where he’s constantly trying to push boundaries - anxiety or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you suffer from anxiety or OCD.

Just chillax ... I think I know where he gets his attitude.

Exactly what I was thinnking. Do you have kids or just have kids who only have super awesome attitudes all the time? My kid is awesome but sometimes is whiny, complaining, wants to listen to music in the car.
Try this:
- Take the phone before you get in the car
- Turn on the car radio to a station he likes and at a level you can tolerate(if you cannot have music at all -- you need help)
- Try talking about stuff he finds interesting
- Consider that he may have anxiety
- When he complains about food: IGNORE IT
- Try serving rice sometimes along with what you already serve, it's not a big deal
- Stop reacting to his behaviour, it's like oxygen and gas on a fire
- REMEMBER HE IS ONLY 11

This is the only advice that matters, OP. You clearly think he's a bad kid, or his parents are bad at their job. You aren't going to fix it.

+1. This post makes me grateful for my siblings and their patience with my kids, who are great kids but can definitely be challenging. Tonight my sister made my son some rice for Thanksgiving dinner - because she knows he hates most Thanksgiving foods and she loves him and he's just a kid and she wanted him to enjoy Thanksgiving too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is everyone spending so much time explaining the intricacies of anxiety?

Even if the kid has anxiety, OP is not going to fix it in a weekend visit. That’s the parents job anyway. So, to answer the actual question: yes, OP you can put the phone in the trunk. (I would give one warning, then act.)

Consistency is key with all things relating to kids. If he knows that you will not allow this in your car, then it’s much easier on everyone involved than creating a situation where he’s constantly trying to push boundaries - anxiety or not.

OP specifically asked why anxiety manifests as being a negative Nellie. Knowledge is power. No one expects her to fix his anxiety. I think most of us hope that if she understands anxiety better, she’ll show the kid some compassion and not dislike him so much.