I'm so sorry for how you feel, but now you need to go on and find things for you and your children to do that are lots of fun and healthful for all of you. In my case, my parents always favor our brother. My sister and I are the ones left out, or picked on and talked about. Don't apologize for how you feel or what you have said to them. That just gives them all more to feed on. Sounds like your neice is what I call a pot stirrer. She likes to be right in the middle and keep the ball rolling. If you completely quit telling her anything at all, then she will be out of the loop, and your Mom will have to come to you if she wants to know anything. May take a while, but I bet it works. Keep your chin up and hug your kids!!!! Carol