Will my 7 year old niece ever forgive me? I feel SOOOO bad!?

Question

A few months ago we were at Target. We had one of those carts that have the two seats attached to the front of the cart. My kids were in them and she was sitting where the handle was.

She kept passing gas and thought it was so funny. I'd smack her butt and tell her to stop, in a playful way.

About the 10th time I told her that if she didn't quit farting, she'd would have to walk behind us. She giggled and farted again.

Just as we turned the corner in the perfume department, a "cute" little boy from her school came around laughing uncontrolably. He heard the whole thing. She immediately cried and told me how much she hated me and that it wasn't funny, I didn't laugh when I knew he was there.

She has been very distant and quit wanting to do thing with me

How can I get her forgiveness? I love her so much and didn't mean to hurt her.

Answer 1

buy her something you know she will like....that would do it for me...♥

Answer 2

It's been a few months?  I'm amazed that she would hold a grudge that long. Are you sure you aren't just imagining her being distant?  Really, a 7-year-old doesn't just cut her uncle off cold turkey for being in front of a boy from school.  

They do get crushes at that age but they're also more influenced by the "boys - ewwww!" factor.  I doubt she is holding onto a bruised ego this long a time later.

Answer 3

she'll forget about it when another boy comes along, you didn't really do anything wrong

Answer 4

She will get over it. If you are worried about it (which clearly you are) I would speak to her and tell her you are sorry and didnt no there was a cute boy from her school there and see where that leads you.

Answer 5

let her know you're sorry she's little she'll get over it eventually kids bounce back really fast

Answer 6

First off never tap a child on her behind, that isnt cool man. Secondly she's a child, her ability to hold grudges is about the same as an aneroxics ability to hold down food. Trust me she will come around but just give her space to cool down and let her come to you, also try apologizing to her in person.

Answer 7

little kids are very fickle, im sure she was embarassed but she'll get over it in a little while. all you can do is apologize and maybe buy her something you know she'd like.

Answer 8

Err, what? How did you hurt her? SHE was the one farting. SHE was the one thinking it was so funny.  And SHE was the one who got her comeuppance when someone heard her who she didn't know was there.

If my child had told me they hated me in that situation, they'd have had an instant sore backside. Teach your child to take some responsibility for her own behaviour. If she didn't think it was funny then she shouldn't have been giggling.

Answer 9

explain to her you didnt mean to do it.....and how its not yur fault that the "cute" boy happend to be there...

Answer 10

Oh my gosh, how hard was it not to laugh, you are awesome for playing it cool. I'd give her some time and then buy her a webkinz or her fave CD and tell her you are so sorry and you promise to not to do that ever again. Kids are pretty resilient, just give her some time, she'll get over it.

Answer 11

Some families laugh about farts, and some don't.  I personally find it gross, and I ignore it until I can't help it and then turn on a fan or leave the room.

Honestly, her 7yo pride might have been damaged, but if that's the worst humiliation she endures in life...Besides, the boy thought it was funny!  He wasn't laughing AT her.  He was laughing at the situation and how she handled it.

I'd appeal to her parents if you haven't already done so.  But don't apologize over and over to the child.  That's giving her power over you.  Apologize once and ask if she forgives you.  Good, you say, then we're friends again.  If not, just say, I'm sorry to hear that, and walk away.

TX Mom

Answer 12

I wouldn't want to hang out with you if you talked to me like that. Kids take things adults say seriously, especially adults they are close to. Hopefully you've taken this as a lesson and don't talk to children like that anymore.

You should sit her down and apologize to her. 7 year olds are smarter than you think, she'll get it and appreciate your honesty.

Answer 13

I would not worry about it. Did she ask your forgivness for humiliating you in the store by passing gas? It serves her right for being rude and disgusting. Not to mention why was a 7 year old sitting in that part of the cart? She should have been walking.  I would just explain to her that embarassing things happen to everyone and this is why we don't do things like passing gas in public because we never know who might be around the corner.

Answer 14

Tell her that you didn't know he was there and didn't mean to hurt her feeling and than after that there is nothing you can do, but surely she will come around.