(Nick Galifianakis for The Post) | Carolyn Hax is away. The following first appeared May 4 and 6, 2007. Dear Carolyn: My brother and his wife have a 5-year-old son and are expecting again; this time twins. My nephew is the first grandchild on both sides and spoiled beyond rotten. He recently told me, "We gave the toys you gave me for Christmas to Bobby and his brother." Bobby and his brother are some kids in his aftercare whom I don't even know! Being 5, he doesn't know that he probably shouldn't be telling me this — but now I see that he is given so much that my brother and sister-in-law stockpile select gifts as their own personal toy store for other children's birthdays, etc. With two more babies coming, I only see this situation getting worse. I understand they have no control over the number of presents their children receive, but I am angered that the gifts I spent money on are being given to kids I don't even know. Am I the mean aunt if I just give savings bonds? Is there any right way to tell them I think they have way too much in toys, children's designer clothing, etc.? I am disgusted by the overindulgence. — A.B. |