Moms: weigh in in what you want in aunts

[Anonymous]

I absolutely adore my nieces. They're little sweeties. I wanted kids so much but for a variety of reasons it's not going to happen for me. Aside from just playing around with them at family gatherings, is there anything special I could do for my nieces as their only aunt? They're almost 4 and almost 2. Moms, do your kids' aunts do anything special with or for them? I don't want to just spoil them by buying them things. I have already left them a huge portion of my worth in my will and if I can afford it at the time I'll help pay for their college.

[Anonymous]

Do you live nearby? Could you have special outings with your nieces every couple of weeks? I still remember hot chocolate trips with my aunt. Nothing fancy or complex, but as a kid I loved the one-on-one time.

[Anonymous]

Do you live in the same location?

Spend time with them. Build a relationship. Be a trusted adult who is not a parent. Be a person that they know they can go to if they need to share confidences when they are older but they are scared to tell their parents.

At that age, take them out a couple of times a month. Go for pancakes or to the zoo or something; build some traditions with them. If you are far away, skype once a week and read picture books.

[Anonymous]

How far do you live?
How often can you see them?

[Anonymous]

OP - I'm about 45 minutes away (depending on traffic - we are on opposite sides of the Potomac).

[Anonymous]

Experiences. Do you go to the theater? Take them. Skiing, hiking, museums, whatever you like Explore their interests and yours together as they get older.
when i was the single aunt to brothers young kids, i always took them out, even just outside to kick a ball around. Swimming, shopping, coffee shops, zoo, etc. Then i would bring them home for dinner, bathe them and leave them tired out and happy. Sil was happy to have some time alone, knowing her kids were entertained and happy. i loved being with them and we still have a strong relatio ship, they are in college now and two of my favorite people on the planet. Got mothers day wishes from them both.
my sil does nice things for my 3 daughters. She insists on taking them each to nordstroms for theur first real bra fitting.

[Anonymous]

Unconditional acceptance of who they are as people. Also be a responsible, rational adult so I can name you their guardian if anything were to happen to DH or myself.

My sister is wonderful but her life is a mess. Tough decision!

[Anonymous]

Sit with them and do things with them. As the parent, I'm often so overwhelmed with doing the stuff that HAS to get done, I forget about all the little things I can do with them and teach them or share with them. It's nice when another caring adult takes initiative. It could be teaching words in another language, singing songs, reading stories, going out for various activities.

A lot of it is just being present regularly in their lives. And don't hesitate to ask mom/dad if you can take them somewhere for a little while (and they can have a break too!).

[Anonymous]

Don't spoil them. Give some of that $$ to a worthwhile charity, like wildlife rescue.

[Anonymous]

You sound like a wonderful and thoughtful aunt. Lucky them.

[Anonymous]

If you get on the email list for our-kids.com, each week they'll send you a newsletter with events in the area. If something interesting comes up maybe you can take the girls out. The website is also good for searching ongoing events.and kid-friendly places.

[Anonymous]

They are still so young, but as they get older take them on little outings. Movies, pizza, paint your own pottery, bounce places, nails, frozen yogurt, etc. my sister lives 7 hours away, but every time we pass this one pizza place, my son tells me "aunt b took me for pizza there". He was 3.5 at the time.

[Anonymous]

Glen Echo puppet shows or the kids shows at Jammin Java are good for those ages.
If you can swing it, have them sleep over at your house one Saturday night so their parents can get alone time.

[Anonymous]

Also, keep in mind that an aunt like you will be priceless when they get a bit older (teens/young adults). As you know, there are plenty of issues that come up that kids are usually less than thrilled to talk about with their parents. Having another adult around who has their best interest at heart but isn't mom or dad is a pretty great resource.

[Anonymous]

Every week there are wonderful things to do listed on kidfriendlydc