how to handle brats

[lastwish]

I have a bratty relative who is living with me right now (I'm forced to). The problem with her is that she constantly fights with me over every little thing (most of the time, I let her have her way). Like during dinner she would fight for every piece of food like a starving hobo, whenever we go out for meals she would mooch me off for food, and I also caught her stealing my stuff (although she guards her own things to the point where it implies that she thinks I would actually steal anything from her). She is quite young like me and still depends on her parents for a living. However, she is old enough to be expected to have manners. Although she hasn't stolen anything significant from me yet, she's still gettting on my nerves. Any suggestion on how I can handle a brat like her?

[vashti]

How old are you both?

As for her "mooching", it is up to you to say no. If she is taking food from your plate, sit further away from her at the table so she can't reach. The division of food in my house when growing up was always first come, first serve (after the first helping, which was dished out for us). Ask your mom to dish out the first helping so you can feel like you are getting your share.

As for the stealing, tell your mom about it.

[Illusional]

you're already shit out of luck because you were the first to give into her. now she expects it from you. personally i would kick her when she's down and do the same bullshit to her, but then again that is immature. other than that, you're going to have to put your foot down.

raverboy

[IndiReloaded]

you're already shit out of luck because you were the first to give into her. now she expects it from you. personally i would kick her when she's down and do the same bullshit to her, but then again that is immature.

LOL, well there is some truth to this. I remember when my husband & I were first dating. We went canoeing on the lake of our summer home & had to take my preteen sister along. She was a total terror to my BF (and me). After several warnings (including the threat of being thrown overboard), eventually my husband reached over and pinched her REALLY hard, which made her behave out of shock (its totally out of character for him). Now its a family joke (but only sort of for her, as she has never forgotten & treats him with careful respect).

Moral of the story? Get a boyfriend to deal with her?

[DoesntMatter]

Beat her with a candle snuffer

[anachronistic]

Put a shock collar around her neck.

[Mish]

Install mouse traps in your room in strategic locations next to stuff she ussually nicks. Camouflage them with something.

[Gigabitch]

You're still living with your parents and THEY are responsible for her, not you. How do you deal with her? Avoid her. You don't have to go out in public with her. You didn't adopt her crazy ass.

Are you sharing a room? If not, I suggest you get a lock for your door with a key. I did this when I was 17 because I suspected my brother and his friends were going through my room, looking for money and pot.

You're not going to change her. It's too late for her to be raised right, and ultimately, even though she's family, it isn't actually your problem.

[IndiReloaded]

Also, keep in mind that whatever you do, she's still family & will likely remember whatever happens during this period as an adult. You may not care now, but you might later.

Why is she staying with you? Are there some problems in her family? Could this be the reason she's acting out? Again, how old are you both?

Giga's idea of a lock is a good idea. Most protection for the least amount of pain & you don't have to try and change her behaviour.