Annie’s Mailbox: Time with aunt may help nieces

Dear Annie: I am very concerned about my brother’s daughters, ages 18 and 20. My brother and his wife divorced when the girls were young. He and his ex do not get along and communicate poorly.

Their daughters were shuttled back and forth between their parents’ homes, but they lived mainly with their mother. Last fall, she announced that she had had enough and the girls would now live with their father while they attend college nearby.

The girls have been with my brother and his wife for several months, and they are miserable. They have no friends there. They communicate very little with their father and stepmother and remain in their bedrooms most of the day. My brother’s wife has reached out to them, to no avail. The older girl is doing well in school, but the younger one dropped out. She promised to get a job, but hasn’t. I don’t think she is very motivated.

My brother buys his daughters whatever they want, but they have little respect for him. My nieces have no direction and little self-esteem. The atmosphere in their house is toxic, and I can’t stand by and do nothing. What do you suggest? – Concerned Aunt

Dear Aunt: We can tell that you care a great deal about your nieces, but they are both adults. They do not need to live with their father unless they choose to. Dad seems quite willing to support them financially, and their stepmother has tried to help. If the atmosphere is as toxic as you say, both girls would be eager to relocate.

We think a lot of this is the girls’ choice and unconnected to Dad’s home. If you truly want to help, please spend more time with your nieces. See what’s going on. Perhaps you could give the younger one pointers on finding a job.