To be a good aunt

Afternoon, In my experience, those who aren't quite sure if they are good at what they are doing usually are doing an outstanding job. Whatever I say may or may not be the best for you but at least you know how others are, however, I usually am no different to my nieces and nephews than I am with my own children. If you don't have children, scold them if you need to, but only scold them the way their parents want them to be scolded, spoil them often but only if you believe they deserve it, be their best friend, let them tell you everything and don't show that it bothers you no matter the discussion. Some things you don't need to repeat to their parents, but someday this will come in handy if something drastic happens and they need help in fixing the situation.

I follow this mind set - if mom is around, I let her be mom. If not, then I do what she would have if she was there. Sometimes we go out with her son and I always have his hand or am holding him. When people comment on his gorgeous eyes, flirtatious personality or stunning smile, or ask his age or name, I let her answer and focus my attention on the baby. I don't ever want to step on her toes or treat her son any way other than how she wants him raised. This means if I'm unsure of something, I just ask her. For instance, I raised my voice when I said "No" the other day because just as I turned around he was about to stick a 9V battery in his mouth. I startled him to the verge of tears, but he dropped the battery, which I promptly placed in a higher place. When I spoke with my sister later, she said that she does the same thing - raises her voice when saying "No" because otherwise he doesn't listen and can hurt himself (he's 1). My point is... parenting is your siblings' job. All you can do is be there when they need you, which may include correcting them or guiding them as necessary. The fact is, they may be letting you in on some things their parents are not aware of and therefore cannot help them with. I think that's what being an aunt is all about. Best of luck and keep doing what you're doing... I'm sure it's a fantastic job!

For me, I try to be a dependable adult that my niece and nephew can count on to be there as a parent figure, a friend, or a companion. My niece and nephew's parents are involved and take care of them, but don't always provide the best role modeling for them (in my humble opinion). I try to make sure that my niece and nephew have a positive role model to look up to in me and my husband and to teach them strong core values as well and to always let them know that we will be there for them no matter what. I do not have my own children but try to spend as much time with my niece and nephew as possible because I truly just enjoy their company. :)