I’ve been hearing this more often recently, so I thought about writing this post and talking about what to do when kids are bored. You with me?

While boredom can be a natural feeling, it can also lead to frustration, irritability, and restlessness. So, what can we do to help kids combat boredom and engage in productive and fun activities? This post provides some suggestions to encourage creativity, learning, physical activity, socialization, and relaxation. Tried and tested by yours truly.

What to do when kids are bored

Acknowledge their feelings

I distinctly remember my mom telling me, “There is no such thing as boredom. Find something to entertain yourself.“

It worked. Note that, growing up, we didn’t have a television. So this meant:

• Reading (we did have a nice collection of books)
• Singing to myself
• Pretending the coffee table was a spaceship
• Going out in the garden, picking leaves and berries, and “cooking”

So, you can say that it’s understandable when I often give the same reply to my nephews.

There is no such thing as boredom.

Thinking about it a bit more, it might not be the best answer. Perhaps the focus should be on validating their feelings of boredom and helping them find ways to ease it. This is not always easy, of course, especially if they want to play video games or watch TV when they’ve already used up their allotted screen time. Remember: follow parents’s rules.

How do you validate a kid’s feeling of boredom? Just let them know you understand and that it’s okay to feel bored sometimes. Then dig a little deeper and ask why they feel bored. Sometimes, they might be hungry, just want attention, or are curious about what you are up to.

You might be surprised where that conversation takes you.

Encourage creativity

Encouraging creativity in children is a great way to help them combat boredom and foster their imagination. Here are some ideas on how to do it:

1. Provide materials for art projects or crafts

• Set up a designated area with art supplies such as paints, markers, colored pencils, paper, and glue
• Encourage them to create their own art pieces or follow along with tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest
• Provide materials for simple crafts such as paper mache, friendship bracelets, or origami (origami was a hit with my nephews, and they love creating new things from YouTube tutorials)

2. Encourage them to make up their own games (something like the coffee table-turned-spaceship…)

• Have them create a board game or card game with their own rules
• Encourage them to come up with their own outdoor games such as a scavenger hunt or obstacle course
• Ask them to think of new twists on classic games like tag or hide and seek

3. Suggest writing stories or making up their own songs

• Provide a notebook or journal for them to write down their ideas
• Encourage them to make up their own stories or songs with their own characters and plots
• Suggest they illustrate their stories or songs with their art supplies

The last one is a particularly effective activity in our case. We would make up stories by having one person say a sentence or two, and then we would take turns adding to the story. Before you know it, it’s time for dinner!

By providing children with the tools to create and encouraging them to think outside the box, they can come up with endless possibilities for fun and creativity.

Get them moving

So this is not the easiest thing when you, the aunt, are a couch potato. Then again, it forces you to get off your bum and get that much-needed exercise.

Some ideas:

1. Plan outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or playing at the park. When they’re visiting me, we sometimes walk to an activity park about a 20-minute walk from my place. It’s a nice little patch of green in the concrete jungle, and they enjoy it.
2. Create an indoor obstacle course or scavenger hunt. If you’re brave…go for it!
3. Encourage dance parties or yoga sessions. One kid loves yoga, the other not so much. They used to avoid dancing at all costs, but lately, we’ve been having fun dancing like no one watching. You just need to find the tunes they like. If you know me and you look at my Apple Music song history, you would probably say, “What the heck is she listening to?”

Learn something new

Educational games and documentaries (unless it’s an absolutely no screen time situation) are best, but depending on the kids, they may not be the best solution to boredom.

If you like food—who doesn’t?—a fun cooking activity might just do the trick. Ask them to choose what they want to cook and do it together. If all you eat is takeout, then move on to the next activity.

How about a trip to the museum? This is always a hit with my nephews, and even if I find it tiring to go out, sometimes, I just go with them. It turns out to be fun for me anyway.

Relax and recharge

Sometimes, kids just need to relax and recharge. Just like we do. Some ideas:

1. Encourage quiet time like reading, drawing, or listening to music
2. Provide a calming activity like a puzzle or coloring book
3. Encourage them to take a nap or rest if needed
4. Get a mani/pedi or massage together—my nephews really love this!

Thing is…it’s good for kids to be bored

I know what you’re thinking…For kids, maybe. Not so good for the aunt!

Seriously, though, numerous studies support this idea.

Clinical experts say that boredom can lead to increased creativity, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills.

In the study “Why Kids Need to Be Bored: A Case Study of Self-Reflection and Academic Performance,” James Williams says something similar: “boredom may play an important role in self-reflection and agency, provided young people have options available to relieve boredom while simultaneously engaging them in activities that encourage self-reflection.”

So, the next time you hear your niece or nephew say, “I’m bored,” stop what you’re doing and see what’s up. Then, why not try some of the activities I’ve shared? You might just create yourself a new bonding moment with the kids.

The post The Case of the Bored Child appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

Yeah, we have to toe the line, and we have to make sure we follow the kids’ parents’ rules.

But, why? (Do you hear your nieces and nephews saying this in a high-pitched voice?)

Why should aunts follow parents’ rules?

TL;DR: We are NOT the parents.

Aunts should respect parents’ rules because parents are the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children. They have the responsibility to provide for their children’s safety, health, and well-being, and their rules and guidelines are based on their knowledge and understanding of what is best for their children.

As an aunt, respecting parents’ rules demonstrates an understanding and acknowledgment of the parents’ role as primary caregivers. It also shows that the aunt values and respects the parents’ decision-making abilities and trusts their judgment.

Furthermore, by following parents’ rules, aunts can help maintain consistency and structure for the children, which can promote stability and security for them. When children receive consistent messages and expectations from both parents and other caregivers, it can help them feel more secure and confident in their surroundings.

Makes sense (and sounds adult-y), doesn’t it?

Now, it’s one thing to say we have to and we will follow our nieces’ and nephews’ parents’ rules.

It’s a whole different story to actually do it. But that’s what I’m here for, to share my hard-earned wisdom (I’d like to think I have it) with you.

How to follow parents’ rules (the guide for professional aunts)

Let’s look at ways to be the cool auntie and respect the kids’ parents.

Again, TL;DR.

1. Communicate with parents: Ask parents for clear instructions and guidelines about how to care for their children, and ask questions to clarify any uncertainties.
2. Respect parents’ decisions: Follow parents’ rules even if you disagree with them, as you may not have access to the same information as parents do.
3. Keep children safe: Prioritize the children’s safety and well-being, and take necessary precautions to avoid putting children in harm’s way.
4. Report concerns: Inform parents if they notice any issues or concerns with the children’s behavior, health, or well-being.
5. Check in regularly: Check in with parents regularly to provide updates on how the kids are doing and to address any concerns or questions that may arise.

How does this look like in real life? Let’s dive in.

1. Communicate with parents

Communication is key to establishing a positive and respectful relationship between aunts and parents, and it can help ensure that the aunt is able to provide care that is consistent with the parents’ wishes.

Ask the parents about discipline so you know their discipline style and what methods they prefer for handling misbehavior. You may believe in not sparing children the rod, but what if the parents thinks that’s abhorrent?

Clarify: what’s negotiable and non-negotiable. While you want to be the fun auntie, you don’t want the kids thinking they can come to you because you allow them to do things their parents would absolutely say no to. On the flipside, there are things that parents may be okay with, so just talk to them and find out. (Maybe they’re not allowed to eat sweets at night, but maybe their parents will let you sneak in an ice cream-filled movie night.)

I also find it useful to know what kind of behaviors and activities are expected of the kids. Say they are supposed to do Duolingo every day (yeah, it’s a thing in our family). Make sure they do it when they’re staying with you.

2. Respect parents’ decisions

Imagine this…

You want to take your nephew to a Formula 1 race. He wants to go, of course. His parents say no because it is a huge, crowded event. You don’t see why not. The kid doesn’t see why not. Still, the parents say no.

What happens?

You don’t take the kid to experience one of the most exciting thing ever. #ForzaFerrari

Seriously, though, parents are the boss when it comes to taking care of their kids. They know what’s best for their children based on their own experiences and knowledge, and that’s why it’s important to respect their decisions

Another example would be if parents have made a decision to limit their children’s screen time because they believe it is important for their overall well-being. Even if you disagree with this decision, you should respect it and limit screen time.

Or, if the parents follow a specific diet or meal plan for their children. Even if you have a different approach to food (I love me a good dose of msg-laden chips while watching a movie), you have to respect the parents’ decision and stick to their dietary guidelines.

Show respect for the parents’ role as primary caregivers and avoid making decisions that contradict or undermine the parents’ authority.

3. Keep children safe

No-brainer, this one, eh?

Still, it cannot be emphasized enough. We may have loads of fun activities lined up, but we still need to follow the kids’ parents’ rules AND keep them safe while we’re out and about.

For example, if you are taking the children to the park, be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on the children to prevent them from wandering off or getting injured. Make sure that the playground equipment is safe and in good condition.

Be aware of any potential hazards in the environment and take necessary precautions to avoid them. For instance, if there are pets in the house, make sure that they are not aggressive toward the children, and that the children are not allergic to them.

This is a sensitive topic for me since my then 3- or 4-year-old nephew had an accident while he was with me at my grandmother’s wake. He was playing with his cousins and fell, cutting his lip badly.

Everything turned out okay, but he has a noticeable scar on his lip. Writing this post reminds me that I should talk to him and his parents about this soon (he’s now 12). We’ve had brief discussions, but I feel that we haven’t really discussed it.

I still have nightmares about it to this day.

4. Report concerns

If you notice any issues or concerns with the children’s behavior, health, or well-being, let the parents know ASAP.

For example, if the kid is feeling unwell, call the parents and seek their advice on what steps to take.

If the child is exhibiting unusual or concerning behavior, such as aggression or withdrawal, call the parents.

If the kid tells stories about bullying in school, talk to the parents about it. (Also, check out these affirmations against bullying.)

If the kid starts crying in the middle of the night saying his pee-pee hurts so bad, call the parents. (True story…apparently, it was an insect bite and some cream and anti-histamine took care of it.)

5. Check in regularly

If the kids are staying with you for a number of days, make sure you call or text their parents regularly to let them know how things are going. Depending on the parents, they may actually be the ones calling you every day (or 10 times a day). If they’re in heaven because they finally have time for themselves without the kids, then you might not hear from them till it’s pick-up time. Still, it’s a good idea to check in just so they’re in the loop.

Professional aunts toe the line

Being a supportive and responsible aunt requires a commitment to following parents’ rules and guidelines for their children.

This involves respecting parents’ decisions, prioritizing children’s safety and well-being, taking necessary precautions, and reporting concerns to parents when necessary.

By doing so, we can build stronger relationships with parents, provide a safe and nurturing environment for ouw nieces and nephews, and contribute positively to their growth and development.

In short, be awesome.

The post Toeing the Line: How to Ensure You Follow Parents’ Rules appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

What are positive affirmations?

Positive affirmations are statements that you say to yourself repeatedly, usually in the present tense, with the aim of building positive self-belief and creating a positive mindset. The purpose of positive affirmations is to help you focus on positive aspects of yourself and your life, and to reprogram negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Basically, POSITIVE THINKING.

How can positive affirmations help kids?

They are quite popular with adults in the self-help space, but kids can benefit from positive affirmations just as much! How? Here are a few ways:

Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool to help children build self-confidence, self-esteem, and a positive mindset. Here are some ways positive affirmations can help kids:

1. Build self-belief: help develop a positive self-image by focusing on their strengths and abilities, and by teaching them to believe in themselves.
2. Boost resilience: help build resilience by teaching them to focus on positive aspects of their life and to overcome obstacles and challenges.
3. Manage stress and anxiety: help manage stress and anxiety by providing a positive framework for their thoughts and emotions, and by helping them develop coping strategies.
4. Improve academic performance: help develop a growth mindset by encouraging them to believe in their abilities and to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
5. Foster positive relationships: help establish positive relationships with others by encouraging them to treat themselves and others with kindness, compassion, and respect.

That is why, being the awesome aunt that you are, having these in your arsenal is a must. This article is focused on dealing with bullying, but these affirmations can be applied to many other situations.

50 positive affirmations against bullying for kids

I’ve broken down the 50 affirmations into groups of 10 and provided a printable version for each group—which will go perfectly on your nieces’/nephews’ wall.

1. I am worthy of respect and kindness.
2. I deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.
3. My differences make me unique and special.
4. I am strong and capable of overcoming any challenge.
5. I am loved and appreciated for who I am.
6. I choose to surround myself with positive and supportive people.
7. I refuse to let anyone else define my worth.
8. I am confident in my abilities and talents.
9. I have the power to stand up to bullies and advocate for myself.
10. I am deserving of a safe and peaceful environment.

11. I choose to forgive those who have hurt me, but I will not forget.
12. I am proud of who I am and what I stand for.
13. I will not let bullies control my thoughts or actions.
14. I am deserving of happiness and joy in my life.
15. I choose to focus on the good in myself and others.
16. I will not allow anyone to make me feel inferior or ashamed.
17. I am deserving of respect and consideration.
18. I have a right to express my feelings and opinions without fear of retribution.
19. I choose to be kind and compassionate to myself and others.
20. I am worthy of a life free from fear and intimidation.

21. I am deserving of love, acceptance, and understanding.
22. I choose to believe in myself and my abilities.
23. I am a valuable and important member of my community.
24. I refuse to let the opinions of bullies affect how I see myself.
25. I am capable of creating positive change in the world.
26. I choose to focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses.
27. I am resilient and can bounce back from any adversity.
28. I am empowered to take control of my life and my experiences.
29. I am deserving of respect and kindness from everyone in my life.
30. I choose to surround myself with people who uplift and support me.

31. I am confident in my ability to make decisions that serve my best interests.
32. I am worthy of a life free from fear and intimidation.
33. I choose to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and embrace positivity.
34. I am deserving of a safe and secure environment to live and thrive in.
35. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
36. I have the right to stand up for myself and advocate for my needs.
37. I am deserving of forgiveness and compassion, both for myself and others.
38. I choose to focus on my own growth and development, rather than comparing myself to others.
39. I am a unique and special individual, with my own strengths and talents.
40. I choose to treat myself and others with kindness, compassion, and respect.

41. I am worthy of love and acceptance just the way I am.
42. I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes my way.
43. I choose to believe in myself and my abilities to succeed.
44. I am deserving of a life filled with happiness, joy, and peace.
45. I am surrounded by people who support and encourage me.
46. I have the power to create a positive and fulfilling life for myself.
47. I choose to focus on the present moment and let go of past hurts.
48. I am strong and resilient, even in the face of adversity.
49. I am deserving of respect and consideration from everyone I encounter.
50. I choose to treat myself with kindness, compassion, and understanding, just as I would treat a dear friend.

I hope you find some in this list that will help your nieces/nephews with whatever situation they’re facing.

Got affirmations of your own against bullying? Let’s share!

The post 50 Positive Affirmations for Bullied Kids appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

What is bullying?

Bullying refers to repeated aggressive behavior by an individual or a group towards someone who is perceived as weaker or vulnerable. Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. It often involves an imbalance of power, where the bully has more social status, physical strength, or other advantages over the victim.

Examples of bullying

There are many examples of bullying, and it can take many different forms. Here are some common examples of bullying:

1. Verbal bullying: This involves using words to hurt or humiliate someone, such as name-calling, teasing, insults, or threats.
2. Physical bullying: This involves using physical force to intimidate or harm someone, such as hitting, pushing, or kicking.
3. Social bullying: This involves excluding someone from a group, spreading rumors or gossip about them, or embarrassing them in public.
4. Cyberbullying: This involves using technology, such as social media, text messages, or email, to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.
5. Sexual bullying: This involves making inappropriate sexual comments, touching, or gestures towards someone without their consent.
6. Racial or cultural bullying: This involves making derogatory comments or gestures towards someone based on their race or culture.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of bullying and that bullying can take many other forms as well.

Children and bullying

Kids are particularly vulnerable to bullying, as they are still developing their social skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Bullying can have serious and long-lasting effects on children’s mental health and well-being, impacting their academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life.

Children who are bullied may experience a range of negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, shame, and sadness. They may also develop low self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, and social isolation. In some cases, bullying can lead to physical harm, such as injuries from physical violence or self-harm due to depression or suicidal thoughts.

It is important for parents, educators, and caregivers—AUNTS, that’s us!— to be aware of the signs of bullying and to take steps to prevent and address it. This may include teaching children empathy and kindness, promoting positive social interactions, providing safe and supportive environments, and intervening when bullying behavior is observed. It is also important to seek professional help if a child is experiencing severe or persistent bullying, as they may need counseling or other forms of support to cope with the effects of bullying.

How to talk to kids about bullying

To my knowledge, my nephews have not been on the receiving end—at least not directly. That’s not to say it’s never going to happen. I am particularly concerned with the second oldest since he’s starting high school soon. And we all know how mean high school kids can be!

Talking to kids about bullying is an important way to help prevent and address this behavior. Here are some tips on how to talk to kids about bullying:

1. Start the conversation early: It’s never too early to start talking to kids about bullying. Even young children can understand the concepts of kindness, respect, and empathy. In fact, they might understand these concepts better than some adults!
2. Use age-appropriate language: Use language that is appropriate for your nieces’ and nephews’ age and developmental level. Younger children may need simpler explanations, while older children may be able to handle more complex discussions.
3. Be open and non-judgmental: Make sure kids feel comfortable talking to you about bullying. Be open and non-judgmental, and let them know that it’s okay to ask questions and express their feelings.
4. Define bullying: Help your niece and/or nephew understand what bullying is and what it looks like. Use specific examples and ask them if they have ever witnessed or experienced bullying themselves.
5. Discuss the impact of bullying: Talk about the negative impact of bullying on both the victim and the bully. Help them understand that bullying is never okay and can cause serious harm to others.
6. Teach empathy and respect: Encourage your niece and/or nephew to be kind, empathetic, and respectful towards others. Teach them to value diversity and to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
7. Encourage reporting: Let the kids know that it’s important to report bullying behavior to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, parent, or school counselor. Assure them that they will not get in trouble for reporting bullying.
8. Practice positive behavior: Model positive behavior yourself and encourage your nieces and nephews to practice positive behaviors, such as standing up for others and being a good friend.

By having open and honest conversations about bullying, you can help kids develop the skills and awareness they need to prevent and address this harmful behavior.

Anti-bullying resources

There are many resources available for individuals and organizations who want to prevent and address bullying. Here are some examples:

1. StopBullying.gov: This is a website run by the U.S. government that provides information and resources on bullying prevention and response for parents, educators, and other professionals.
2. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: This organization offers a variety of resources, including educational materials, support groups, and advocacy initiatives to prevent bullying and promote inclusion and acceptance.
3. Stomp Out Bullying: This organization provides resources and support to prevent bullying, cyberbullying, and other forms of abuse among children and teenagers.
4. The Trevor Project: This is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth who may be experiencing bullying or other forms of discrimination.
5. GLSEN: This organization works to create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students through research, policy advocacy, and educational resources.
6. The Bully Project: This organization offers resources and support to prevent bullying and empower students to take action against bullying in their communities.

These are just a few examples of the many resources available to prevent and address bullying. It’s important to find the resources that work best for your needs and to take action to create safe and inclusive environments for all individuals.

How do you talk to kids about bullying? It all goes back to having a solid relationship with your nieces and nephews! Otherwise, you might never even get to the point where you can talk to them about it, or even if you do, it might not warrant to anything. Then again, if you’re the awesome aunt I think you are, you won’t have to worry about this!

The post How to Talk to Kids About Bullying appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

Whatever bucket you belong to, however, this sweet little guide will point the way to being the awesomest aunt your nephews and nieces can ever want.

Before that…

How to be an awesome aunt

Everyone knows you can’t just list down steps to being a great aunt, right? Let me try anyway.

1. Build a strong relationship
2. Be present
3. Offer guidance and advice
4. Give meaningful gifts
5. Have fun
6. Respect their parents

Common sense? Maybe so, but one thing I have learned is this: common sense ain’t that common. So, let’s dig deeper.

1. Build a strong relationship

Spend time getting to know your nieces and nephews by engaging in their interests, listening to them, and showing them that you care about their lives. We all have different love languages, quality time being one of them. I’m pretty sure, though, that whatever your nephews and nieces’ love languages are, spending quality time with them will never hurt.

2. Be present

Read the above.

In detail: Attend important events such as birthdays, school plays, and sports games. Show up for them, and make yourself available to listen and support them.

3. Offer guidance and advice

Share your life experiences and wisdom with your nieces and nephews. Be a positive role model by showing them how to handle difficult situations and make good decisions.

Recently, my nephews have been having a rough time. I am not allowed to share the details, but let’s just say a tween’s emotions get the better of him. While unsolicited advice is never welcome—it’s unsolicited, after all!—you never know when a shared experience (and the telling of it) may do a kid some good.

Be open.

4. Give meaningful gifts

Ever had that aunt who gave the most horrible Christmas presents? Decades-old lipstick to a teenager…true story.

Don’t be that aunt.

Show your love and appreciation by giving thoughtful and personalized gifts that reflect your nieces and nephews’ interests and passions.

It’s tempting to give what you think they will like because you like it. (Now, there will be some overlap, but don’t always go this route.) But, if you have a good relationship, you’re likely in the know about what the kids like.

You know…

Pokemon (and not unicorns)

Overwatch (and not The Sims)

The Chicago Bulls (and not the San Antonio Spurs; #SpursForever)

5. Have fun

Get in there. Let your hair down and your inner child out. Even if you have an irrational fear of mechanized animals (I swear, they were created for mind control or something…I don’t have an irrational fear of them, though. I really don’t.)!

Plan outings and activities that are enjoyable for both you and your nieces and nephews. Create memories and experiences that they will cherish for years to come.

6. Respect their parents

Listen, this one’s super important. You may feel like you have the right to make decisions for the kids—and maybe you do, but at the end of the day, you are not the parent. So, respect your nieces and nephews’ parents and their parenting decisions. Communicate openly and respectfully with them, and make sure to follow their rules and guidelines. If you have any concerns, discuss it with the parents (without the kids present).

Being an awesome aunt takes effort, time, and patience. (Though I have to be honest and say it comes naturally to some ) With love, support, and a willingness to be present in their lives, you can build a special relationship with your nieces and nephews that will last a lifetime.

Being called the awesome aunt is icing on the cake.

The post How to Be an Awesome Aunt appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

Pretty boring stuff—except I added some stardust into the mix. Because you know, we don’t really do boring here. (My nephews would quickly kick my butt into being unboring.)

Today, I’d like you to meet…well, maybe yourself…the professional aunt.

“Professional aunt” describes a woman who is not a biological parent but plays a significant role in the lives of her nieces and nephews. No blood connection required!

Professional aunts are known for being particularly nurturing, supportive, and involved (check, check, and check) in the lives of their nieces and nephews. They often provide emotional support, offer advice, and act as confidants to their young relatives. They may also provide financial or practical support to their nieces and nephews, such as paying for school tuition, providing gifts or treats, or helping out with childcare. (Notice how I worded that last sentence with care?)

Bottom line: “Professional aunt” is often used to acknowledge and celebrate the special role that these women play in their extended families. It highlights the fact that being an aunt is not just a biological relationship, but a special bond that can be nurtured and developed over time.

I started this site for these two reasons (maybe some more, which I’m sure I’ll discover along the way)—look at the two highlighted words in the previous paragraph.

Professional aunts, unite.

Got professional aunt stories? Would love to hear them!

P.S. I once went around Universal Studios carrying my then 6-year-old nephew on my back (and my hips and my tummy…) in the rain. That is pro aunting. True story.

The post Introducing: The Professional Aunt appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.

Now we’ve gotten the boring definition out of the way…it’s more than that, isn’t it? Look at how kids’ eyes have a distinct sparkle when a vacation with their aunt comes up…

Why are aunts special?

Aunts are often loved and valued by their nieces and nephews for a variety of reasons. Here are some possible reasons why:

Aunts often provide a different perspective on life than parents do. They can offer advice, share stories, and provide emotional support in a unique way that complements what parents provide.

Aunts may be seen as a confidante, someone who can be trusted to keep secrets and provide a listening ear.

Aunts often have a special relationship with their nieces and nephews. They may be more playful, fun-loving, and adventurous than parents, which can make spending time with them more enjoyable.

Aunts can be a source of comfort and stability during difficult times. They may offer a shoulder to cry on, a hug, or just be there to provide support during tough situations.

Aunts can be role models and inspire their nieces and nephews to pursue their passions and dreams. They can also offer guidance and advice based on their own life experiences.

Overall, aunts are loved for the unique relationship they share with their nieces and nephews, the love and support they provide, and the positive impact they can have on their lives.

Take your pick…why are you a special aunt?

I’ve got only this to say: I have no kids (and am 99.9 percent sure I won’t be having any), and all the love I have (maybe money, too) goes to my nephews. If that ain’t special, then I don’t know what is.

Next up…the Professional Aunt.

P.S. I don’t knit (though I learned in high school, I think), and if neither do you, that’s totally okay! If you do, you rock, too.

The post What Is An Aunt? appeared first on ProfessionalAunt.