Today I am thinking of my nieces and nephews as I work. Yesterday two of them suffered from a pretty traumatic experience. I stopped by their house on my way home from work because I had heard (through the family grapevine) that my sister was sick. When I arrived I discovered that the family cat had passed away. As if that wouldn’t be enough, it was killed by a car in front of them, and then promptly run over by the school bus while they were riding it!! By the time I saw them that evening there was serious “couch moping” going on.
Being a single person without children of my own, it’s not often I have to deal with the hard stuff.
Dirty diaper? Crying child? Bad behavior? Unfinished chores? Filthy bedroom? Not really my problem… bring in the parents!!
Now my sister and her husband had the situation in hand, but it reminded me of the extraordinary responsibility that most parents I know carry without a second thought. It also reminded me of how awesome it is to be involved in the lives of my nieces and nephews as an Aunt and the many reasons why I love that “job”.
In celebration of everyone who is an Aunt or Uncle and loves being involved, I would like to share the attached blog post which sums it up so well:
12 Reasons Why Being An Aunt Or Uncle Is The Best Job Ever
Communication Relationships by Amy Johnson
Are you an aunt or uncle? If you are, you know one thing is certain; you have the best job in the world. No matter what age your nieces and nephews are, you can always guarantee that you’re going to have a great time with them as the ‘fun’ aunt or uncle.
Check out 12 reasons why being an aunt or uncle is one of the best jobs ever.
- You Get To Hold Tiny Hands
Holding a new-born’s tiny hands is one of the best feelings in the world; so tiny and cute! And holding their hands never gets old, even when they get older and their hands are smeared with food and possibly snot.
- You Receive Lots Of Hugs
Everyone loves a hug, and they are even better when they are from your niece or nephew. And the best part? Your nieces and nephews think you’re cool, so they are always happy to give you a hug. Score!
- You Can Only Do The Fun Jobs
As an aunt or uncle, you don’t have many responsibilities with your nieces and nephews, which means you get to only do the fun jobs. Playing in the garden? Sure! Feeding the baby a bottle? No problem! Changing a dirty diaper? I’ll just pass this little bundle of joy back to it’s parents….
- You Have An Excuse To Play
Being an adult can get pretty boring, but if you’re an aunt or uncle, you always have the option of kicking off yours shoes and forgetting about your worries while you play with your nieces and nephews. And let’s face it; deep down, you know you’re enjoying the new Lego Movie more than they are.
- You Can Treat Your Nieces And Nephews
If a parent is always buying treats for their child, they could end up spoilt. However, you have a free pass to treat them to anything their little heart’s desire! Nothing makes you smile more than handing the children the sweets you bought for them – although you’re pretty sure their mom is giving you evils as you do it.
- You Can Buy Any Gifts For Them
If you’re a parent, you don’t want to buy your children loud toys; you know they will keep you up all night, slowly driving you insane. But as an aunt or uncle? You only have to listen to the toy while you’re there, then you can go home to peace and solitude – which is exactly why you bought your nieces and nephews an electric drum kit.
- You Get The Best Art For Your Home
Children draw pictures nearly every day; your siblings house is filled to the brim with their artwork. But as an aunt or uncle, you just get the cream of the crop – the pictures your nieces and nephews are extra proud of. You only had a few, but they get pride of place on your fridge for every guest to see.
- You Get To Go To Children’s Birthday Parties
You get to show up, dressed as your favorite Disney character, and eat food and play with your awesome nieces and nephews. Even better – since you’re a guest, you don’t even have to help tidy up.
- You Can Offer Your Nieces And Nephews Support
Your nieces and nephews know you’re a trustworthy adult, but they also know you don’t like telling them off, so they always come to you with their secrets. You are always available to listen to their problems, and your heart swells with pride every time you think about how they trust you.
- Reading Time Is Still Fun For You
As you only read to them when you babysit, you still love the experience. You find it fun and relaxing – and the stories are pretty riveting, too.
- You Love How Much Your Nieces And Nephews Love You
Your nieces and nephews know that you love to play with them and bring them cool toys and sweet snacks, so every time you go to their house you feel like the most popular person in town.
- You Don’t Miss Out On Sleep
Did we mention your precious sleep? You don’t have to miss out on sleep, because when night-time comes around, you can leave your wonderful nieces and nephews with their tired parents and you can go home for a night of uninterrupted sleep. Bliss!
HC3Partnership 
Love this post! Extended family, particularly aunts and uncles, can be a valuable part of a family substance use plan – often nieces and nephews are more comfortable talking with favorite aunts and uncles vs. parents when it comes to difficult topics. Parents – use those resources – let your kids know that if they are not comfortable talking with you, then can always go to Aunts and Uncles. Be sure to discuss what remains confidential between kids and adults and what will be shared with parents!
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Thanks Beth! I love being a part of my nieces and nephews lives and I believe it is important that they have supporting relationships such as an Aunt, Uncle, close family friend, teacher or religious leader available to help when they need it. I enjoy being a small part of the “village” required to raising kids!
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