"I have three wonderful nephews and three wonderful nieces."
How I did it: I don't think I am a typical "good aunt". I forget birthdays and such. But I am lucky to have a forgiving bunch of nieces and nephews. They range in age from 19 to 5.
They know I love them. I enjoy their company. I try to make the time I spend with them special.
I took my oldest niece to her first concert. We had floor seats. Even though it was only an hour to get back to where I lived at the time, we spent the night in a suite at a cool NYC hotel.
When my youngest nephew spent a weekend with me I made sure we did what he wanted. From sitting outside in the cold to watch a sea lion show at the NY Aquarium to hanging out at my place eating pizza and playing countless games of Yatzee. He's the youngest of four, not too use to having everything be just about him.
I taught my middle nephew how to hail a cab at 8 years old. My wallet regrets it sometimes, but riding in taxis is something he only does with me.
I learned how to crochett just to make my middle niece a blanket. She was very into texture at the time. Together we picked out yarn that according to her "feels like feathers". It's funny looking but in her eyes it's perfect. She even said it helps cure her colds.
You should treat them like people. Listening to what they say. Not pulling the "I'm an adult you must obey me" act, unless it is a matter of their well being. Be honest with them. Answer their questions. Enjoy them.
The most important thing is trust. I always tried to let them know they can come to me with anything. My house is their house. I hope the relationships I am building with them last the rest of our lives.
Dec 15, 2008, 02:58AM PST
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