A 25-year-old has appealed to social forum Reddit for advice on how to raise his niece, after her family were killed in a car crash.
User ‘Iamlostandneedhelp’ took to the site to request tips on how to raise girls, after he took the decision to adopt his 11-year-old relative following the death of her immediate family.
The self-confessed introvert states he wants to do a good job of raising her, but is at a loss to understand the world his niece inhabits, including all the hormones, social pressures and online presence that she has.
Women were quick to lend their assistance to the uncle, flooding him with tales of adolescence and their advice to guide her through it.
The most popular pieces of advice suggested that he not be afraid to reach out to the mothers of his niece’s schoolmates for assistance.
One user wrote: “We have an amazing dad who worked hard to bring us up right, but I also have to give credit to our friend’s mother for stepping up in that way,” wrote Patellabone. “Our friend’s mother (who was also a close family friend) took us under her wing and gave us all of the uncomfortable talks.”
“Look for helpers,” wrote another. “They’re everywhere.”
Redditor ‘bunnybunfluff’ gave detailed advice on everything from bras and periods, to self esteem and being social.
“Just want to add that a doctor, maybe one at Planned Parenthood, is a great resource for health questions! You can have her prepare a list of questions before her appointment, and then leave her alone with the doctor to ask them if she’s shy,” advised another user.
The uncle was keen to reply to as many commenters as possible, thanking them individually for their contributions.
To one he wrote: “Thank you for the great advice…I will definitely reach out to their mothers regardless! I also didn’t think about contacting my sisters friends – I still can’t think straight enough. Thank you very much!”
