How do I maintain a relationship with these kids? Should I try?

Question

i'm 24, my half brother and sister are fully related. he is 33, she is 30. they both live in my hometown, i moved away for good 1 1/2 years ago. my sister has a little girl who is now 2 1/2 and my brother just had a baby boy in july.

i never grew up with my brother or sister; my sis and i exchange email every couple of months, but my bro and i are more like distant cousisns; we don't even call each other at christmas.

my question is how do i behave towards my niece and nephew? i'm obviously closer to my sister, but don't want to treat that child any diffrently from my brother's. Because they are both so young, it's not much of an issue, but as they get older....how do I do this?

Answer 1

Firstly don't make it over complicated.  Every family relationship takes work regardless of blood ties or not.  You must decide how much effort you want to put in - it does not have to be the same for each person -  in every family you a drawn to particular people more so than others.  Be open, friendly and interested in your brothers family, you will probably hear more from your sister.  Also you live out of town there is only so much you can do.  Congrats Auntie!

Answer 2

First bring presents its a rule.

Kids usually are shy around new people but become little wild brats about 2 mins after meeting.  As to when they get older HEY there family its a rule they have to like you..   Having a friendship relationship with nieces and nephews is just like any other friendship you have to work at it..  

Answer 3

Remember their birthday's and Christmas (if you celebrate it).  That is all you owe them.  

Answer 4

Simple: talk to them.  Express the fact that you want to be apart the family, and you want to be there for your niece and nephew.  Family is very important, and if you're willing to go that extra mile, take it another step further and talk with them.  It's never too late to make things right.

Answer 5

well an interesting question.. maybe include a line that give my love to kids to your sister... and i dont think you are in deep interest to increase relation with your brother just because of kids if they meet you maybe present them a choclate each...ask about them when in contact..as you are not really close a kind of formal relation will be followed...