rhaps,

neither you nor your niece can speak for the dad. Just tell him that, and when you do say that, say well, I know someone who does love you very much-ME!! If neither of you have the answers to his questions, tell him you don't. Making up answers, or projecting emotions of another won't work. In the long run the child suffers.

My ex left us when my daughter was younger. She had many of the same questions. Mostly my answers were I don't know why some people do the things they do, but I do know one thing, I love you more than anything in this world, and that won't change. It hasn't.

I think sometimes at that age children just need reassurance, cause wandering around in their minds they might wonder if the other parent will abandon them as well. You can only reassure your love for him, his mother's and the other children and whomever else shows him love.

It's so sad what adults do to children...just so sad.
Hugs, Lisa.