Put on the spot again

[Shoo]

Try this when Auntie volunteers you for something:

::blink::  ::blink::   "Anyway .... so who do you like in the Nascar circuit, Cousin?"

[ZipTheWonder]

I think this puts lupe and phil in the middle of something that is really between the OP and Dee.
I also really like oxymoroness' response.

If you discount the fact that Christopher is actually Lupe and Phil's responsibility and neither Dee's nor the OP's, then yes, you're right.  But, if Lupe and Phil are right there when someone is instructing someone else about how to care for their child, they are squarely inthe middle of it -- and it's right where they belong.  If they don't put themselves there, they need to be drawn in.  THEY should be dealing with Christopher -- and not Dee or the OP.

[ShadesOfGrey]

If you discount the fact that Christopher is actually Lupe and Phil's responsibility and neither Dee's nor the OP's, then yes, you're right.  But, if Lupe and Phil are right there when someone is instructing someone else about how to care for their child, they are squarely inthe middle of it -- and it's right where they belong.  If they don't put themselves there, they need to be drawn in.  THEY should be dealing with Christopher -- and not Dee or the OP.

very true, and I do think that it is odd that they dont jump in when Aunt Dee is giving Sithie orders to watch their child.  Perhaps they think that Sithie is ok with it? In that case, Sithie needs to say something that addresses BOTH the inappropriateness of her aunt and lupe and phil's role...

[Lysitheia]

 The whole family is so used to Dee's control freak behavior that we sort of tune out. Phil and Lupe will generally say something like "Dee, he's fine right there." Lupe and Phil are good to be with-- it's just Dee's antics that s---w the dynamic up.

[ShadesOfGrey]

The whole family is so used to Dee's control freak behavior that we sort of tune out. Phil and Lupe will generally say something like "Dee, he's fine right there." Lupe and Phil are good to be with-- it's just Dee's antics that s---w the dynamic up.

So they do say something? - that's good. As long as you aren't jumping to follow orders every time Aunt Dee gives them (and she's not banishing you from adult company), I think you should just let her words roll off your back.  Just ignore her. If she says "go get Christopher's toy" dont go get it.  Say 'He doesnt need his toy right now' if she persists 'I am enjoying lupe and phil's company, and christopher is fine. if you think he needs his toy, I wont stop you from getting it for him'

She sounds like the type of person that needs one good person to stand up to her and then she will hem and haw, but she will stop ordering you around.  good luck!