Help! I'm taking care of my cousin this summer and she has a lot of problems.?

Question

I'm watching my cousin this summer and she is bossy, won't listen to my rules, does whatever she wants, is manipulative, and physically aggressive. It's so hard taking care of her while her Dad works (or just sleeps). I don't get paid worth a c**p, but I watch her because I don't think anyone spends enough time with her, and she obviously needs help. Her mom just lost custody of her becasue she has been going in and out of jail recently, and her Mother is also manipulative and bossy. I really don't want her to end up like her mom. I think my cousin needs to be on medication (maybe bipolar medication and/or ADD medicine). Also, she hoards food and demands to eat all the time. She's not even ten yet and she is overweight and demands snacks all the time. The other day I told her not to snack because dinner was almost ready and she went behind my back and asked her dad for a snack, to which he said yes (because he doesn't care). She gave me a smirk and I almost lost it. Help me!

Answer 1

You should ask to get her checked out by a psychiatrist because it sounds like shes had a very stressful life. You have to treat her kindly no matter what she does to show her that everyone's not like her mother and be an example. You could be a source of stability on her life and maybe some of your kindness will rub off if not you'll feel good because you'll know you tried your best.

Answer 2

shes just acting the only way she knew how, by seeing her mom act that way, she in return acts that way, i think a lil dicipline from her father will be the best thing and yea maybe some meds, but meds dont cure everything! honestly, talk to her dad and let him know like ," hey , she needs some attention, attention i cant give her she needs a parent!"

Answer 3

tell her u r not her daddy but if you have to you will act like it.....

punishment.  butt woopings. what ever it takes. tell her if she acts up she has to take an hour jog or no dinner

i never did it but give it a try

Answer 4

I think you should be a good role model for her. Without her mother you may be the only person she will look up to. try setting a good example and talk to the father. Set some ground rules and discuss the childs behavior

Answer 5

I think you should discuss your problems and concerns with your parents.  Your mom or dad is related to your cousin's father so they may be able to talk with him and relay to him your concerns.  Your intentions are very good, but I think she needs an authority figure in her life right now (other than her dad).  She needs rules and boundaries and she probably thinks of you as another kid, rather than someone who she needs to obey.

Answer 6

Well other then Piano wire,I would advise you leaving them to themselves,if your that unwanted you could get a job with much better pay and far less emotional intensity,its the parents problem to deal with a child,disregard of this leads to these problems,To her you have no authority because how will you punish her? 'go to your room' her father would simply overturn it,your in an explosive situation you need to rid yourself of,for the childs sake and yours. Medication also doesnt solve everyones problems.