My brother in law cheated on my sister while she was pregnant and after the baby was born. She found out a few weeks ago, and they've gone to one counseling session so far and I've been very defensive of my sister because she's been taking care of a three year old and an 8 week old baby all at the same time and I was so proud of her.

Then I found out today that she had kissed another man two days ago. My brother in law is of course upset, and they've dragged my family into it. I don't know how I feel. I can't defend my sister anymore, and I can't feel sorry for her now. I know she probably did it in retaliation against him, but I'm angry at them both for now having these issues that my sweet nieces have to deal with and don't deserve.

I just don't know how to go about this situation. Before finding out that she cheated as well, I offered to her that she could always talk to me about it and could come to my place if she needed time away from him. I tried to be supportive but in a way I don't want to hear it now. I want to tell her I'm disappointed, but I know how she'll react and it'll be a dramatic mess and more stress than it's worth. Is it just best that I stay away for a bit? What can I do to help protect my niece's?

It's between your sister and brother-in-law. The most you should probably do is offer to listen if she needs to talk and/or offer to babysit if you have the time. They're in counseling. One session isn't going to fix their issues, but they have realized they have problems that need to be fixed. Which is good. Let them worry about fixing their problems. It's not something you need to get personally involved in as it is their relationship, and they are adults. You're nieces are still really young, so it's highly unlikely that they will remember any of this. Plenty of kids go through their parents fighting, and I doubt you're nieces understand what's going on. Which is fine. Honestly, they'll be okay.

What's not okay is coming off as wanting to be involved in how their relationship works and their parenting. They are adults who will work things out on their own. You can be upset about the situation, especially since it seems like everyone is getting pulled into it, but at the end of the day, it is something they need to work out themselves. If you're okay with listening to your sister vent about the situation, let her know once you've cooled down. Don't add fuel to the situation. The drama is not worth it, and neither is making your sister potentially feel worse. If they keep trying to get you involved, let them know that you support their decision to go to therapy and hope things work out, but that it is a matter that they need to resolve themselves. Let them know if you are available to babysit if you're concerned about your nieces. Repeat if necessary until they get that you'll only offer support, not advice. That's what therapy is for.