How to Raise a Niece or Nephew
Raising one of your sibling's children isn't a walk in the park, but the pay off definitely makes it worth your time and energy. Your niece and nephew may not want to live with you, and your sibling may resent you raising his child, but, regardless of your situation, these time-tested principles work for any family and make it easier to raise your niece or nephew.
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Instructions
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Keep the relationship in perspective. This is important in any parenting relationship, but is especially important when your sibling is involved. You need to remember that the child and her needs take precedence above all else, including your relationship with your brother or sister.
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Keep your expectations to a minimum--at least in the beginning. Don't allow yourself to think that your relationship with your niece or nephew is immediately going to be the same as other parent-child relationships. Your niece or nephew needs time to adjust to the new surroundings and lifestyle. Give them time and space to develop and adjust.
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Work on your relationship with your sibling if possible. Don't allow the child's parent to just walk out of his life, and definitely don't push the parent out. Plan for meeting times with your niece or nephew and their father and mother as soon and as often as you can. But make sure that the meeting takes place in an environment where your niece or nephew feels the most comfortable and safe.
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Realize that past relationships influence your niece or nephew's expectations of the relationship with you. This may require you to work harder to gain the child's trust or to wait for your niece or nephew to reciprocate the love that you're showing them.
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Focus on the good and keep a positive attitude. Remember why you're raising your niece or nephew and keep that at the forefront of your mind. Remind them that they're loved and that you're happy to be raising them.
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Tips & Warnings
Never have a child meet with a parent if there are safety concerns or the law has revoked the parent's rights.
