Why do people get mad when they are wrong? My neighbours kid was trying to kill a squirrel. I told the parents, nicely, friendly Now they won't speak to me Why? I see this happening a lot. People do something wrong and they get mad at you!! Drives me nuts

The only reason I can think of is that they are not mature enough to know that their child's behavior needs to be corrected before it is too late. Or could it be that you told them in such a way that they thought you were accusing them rather than trying to help them. Whatever it was, it is sad.

CatLover, you deserve an apology from your niece, and her mother. There is no excuse for bad behavior and it should NEVER be overlooked. One of my co-workers is going through the same thing with her sister. She allowed her 12 yr old son to spend the night with her sister who has two sons ages 6 and 13. The next day her son tells her that his aunt went out to the bar and didn't come home until 3am. And, a 12 yr old girl spent the night as well. My co-worker was furious, which she has every right to be, but her sister blew up as if it was the other way around. And this I'm sure boggles your mind as well.

They get mad beacause they notice that they are in the wrong and get embarrassed. People will try to hide this embarrassment at all costs! So instead will take it out on somebody else or get mad. It's just human nature.

All the above answers are very well said. The only thing I can add is you probably brought to their attention something they were in denial about. It is so easy to overlook the way your children behave. They probably were aware of the situation but were trying to pretend it wasn't happening. CatLover, you did the right thing.