Yes, I am a tough and (strict) aunt to all of my nieces and nephews. But of course, I don't overdo it. You could ask any of them
[I've got 15 nieces and nephews now!] and they could tell you how much they're afraid of me. NO... how much they respect me... He he. I think they love me, don't you think so? Well, they're very proud of me as their auntie so that should say it. LOL Actually, my version of being strict is just to teach them what hard work and sacrifices are and the value of both. See, we siblings
[my nieces' and nephews' moms and dad] were raised up being taught so and really living it. We didn't get rewards and lots of gifts when we were young. We weren't given lots of money to buy whatever we wanted. We work so hard to get what we needed. Whatever things we received as rewards, even the littlest, they're really valued and they're considered as a HUGE consolation. Now with the younger generations growing up, I can sense how much they're being spoiled by their parents. I know, because I can see it with how my siblings are raising their kids. It's a no-no to me to give whatever they ask. They need to realized that in the real world, they can't just simply get what they want.
When my two nieces, both are still in high school
[freshman and sophomore they are!] asked for an MP4 from me, I knew then and there what to tell them. But of course, I was so surprised to hear that from them. I thought,
"what? an MP4? I don't even own one! (That was before swithart bought me one! LOL)" I love them both, undoubtedly, but I couldn't give them what they're asking just in an instance! I could've bought
wholesale ipods so I could give everyone of them fairly but I won't. See, they're living in Philippines and it is not practical for them, at such an age, to be carrying one whenever, wherever. It is ambitious on my part. They're highschoolers you know, and I want them to mind their studies and do good in it. I want them to aim high and hit the above average grades. I want them to focus on learning and understand that they don't need such stuff in order to achieve what we adults want them to achieve. I simply told them to ask me anything that they need and not want.
And then I challenged them to show me a grade of 85+ [A and B] at the end of the school year and I could reward them with what they want. Does that mean I am a tough Aunt? :)