Older stepbrother makes my young niece rub his feet: Cause for concern?

by Kim
(San Antonio, Texas, USA)

My mother told me earlier today that my niece had told her something odd. My niece is 7 years old. She told her that her step brother of one year who is 14 years old tells her to rub his dirty feet. And if she doesn't, she has to give him money. She says she hates it. This is the first I've heard of it. Her dad is my brother and he lives out of town. I don't see her mom and I have never met her mom's new husband and his three boys. I don't see my niece very often, just when her dad is in town a couple times a month. So I'm not around enough to see any changes in her behavior. I probably watch too much TV, and I'm blowing it way out of proportion. But it seemed strange and I just don't know who to ask about it.

Thank you for your help.

Kim

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