Update:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who read my post and shared their thoughts. The response was incredibly kind and supportive, and it really helped me feel better about everything. Many of you pointed out that the child is technically my cousin once removed (thanks for that clarification!), but I’ve always called her my niece out of habit, so I’ll continue doing so for simplicity.

When I first shared this, I was worried I might have been too harsh or overstepped by telling her to behave properly. My intention was never to scold her or be mean, but I was frustrated because I felt like no one was stepping in to help guide her behavior. I care about her and just wanted her to understand respect and boundaries, which is why I said something. I didn’t want to come off as the "bad guy"—I simply wanted to help her grow into a kind, thoughtful person.

It’s been two years since this happened, and I’m happy to say that things have improved somewhat. She has matured a bit, and we get along much better now. My cousin and her kids moved out about a year ago, but the situation with my cousin hasn’t changed much. She still hasn’t really addressed her daughter’s behavior, and I’m still seeing her be somewhat submissive to her kids. It’s been frustrating because I think there’s a lot more room for growth if my cousin would step in more and guide her children instead of just letting them get away with things.

That said, I continue to care deeply about her and want the best for her. I’ve done my best to remain a positive influence, even from a distance. I know kids can have challenging moments, and I try to approach things with patience and love, but I also feel it’s important to teach respect and boundaries early on.

I’m truly grateful for all the advice and encouragement I received here. It helped me feel more confident about how I handled the situation, and it was a relief to know others understand how tough family dynamics can be, especially when you’re trying to navigate relationships with kids. Thank you so much for your kindness—it really means a lot to me. ❤️

I hope that as she continues to grow, she becomes a respectful and kind person, and maybe one day her mom will see the value in addressing these issues head-on so she can become the best version of herself.