Kid Gets Herself Banned From Future Trips With Aunt And Uncle, Her Mom Throws A Fit

In close-knit families, aunts and uncles tend to play a rather significant role

How close someone is with their aunts and uncles—or any other family member—can depend on many things. But one big factor is often overlooked: the relationship between the parents and their siblings.

Research shows that when adult siblings have a strong connection, they’re more likely to build close relationships with each other’s children. This makes sense—when siblings have a good bond, they often spend more time together as families. This regular interaction helps children feel connected and supported by a wider family circle.

Strong sibling relationships also set a powerful example for family bonding and teach children how to build and keep positive family connections. These moments play an important role in child development and emotional well-being.

In Psychology Today, Dr. Robert Milardo, a professor and author of The Forgotten Kin: Aunts and Uncles, explained that the role of aunts and uncles shifts as children grow. When kids are little, aunts and uncles might help with child care. As kids become teens, they often step in to support, guide, or even mediate during conflicts. They can become positive role models and trusted adults that kids can talk to outside of their parents.

In short, aunts and uncles are more than just extended family—they’re a key part of a child’s emotional support system, especially when family ties are strong and healthy.

Family rituals can positively influence their members

When aunts and uncles maintain a strong relationship with their siblings, their time with nieces and nephews becomes even more valuable. In fact, creating regular family routines—like Sunday ice cream dates or annual weekend trips—can make a big difference in children’s lives.

Studies show that consistent family bonding activities not only strengthen family ties but also boost emotional well-being, improve academic performance, support child health, and even enhance marital satisfaction for adults. These rituals give children a sense of belonging and stability, which plays a key role in their personal development and identity.

However, building these connections isn’t always easy. One Reddit user shared her struggle in trying to include all her siblings’ children in a family tradition. While she wanted to create meaningful memories, she faced challenges with her 10-year-old niece, whose behavioral issues and emotional outbursts made the experience stressful. To protect her own peace and maintain a healthy environment for the other kids, she set a clear family boundary—choosing not to include her niece on future trips.

Her decision sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised her for practicing positive parenting and putting everyone’s comfort first. Others felt she was being unfair to the child. But at the heart of it, this story highlights the importance of honest communication and setting healthy family boundaries when needed.

Many netizens didn’t think the woman was being a jerk in the situation