When a new baby joins the family, there is often a whirlwind of activity. There are streams of visitors, piles of cute baby gifts, and a constant flow of well-meaning advice. It is a time filled with joy, but also a lot of noise and chaos. In the middle of all this, what is the […]
What New Parents Desperately Need From an Aunt Read More »
The parents have just asked you to babysit for the very first time. It is a moment filled with both excitement and a healthy dose of nerves. This is a huge sign of their trust in you and a major step in your relationship with your niece or nephew. This is your chance to have
Your First Time Babysitting Your Niece or Nephew: The Ultimate Auntie Survival Guide Read More »
When a new baby arrives, it is natural for all the love and attention to focus on them. You spend your time buying cute outfits, mastering the perfect cuddle, and learning what makes them giggle. It is easy to get completely lost in the wonderful bliss of your new niece or nephew. But what if
The #1 Secret to Being a Favorite Aunt (It’s Not About the Baby) Read More »
We have all seen it. A family is together, but they are not really together. Everyone is half-distracted by the ping of a notification, the buzz of a text message, or the endless scroll of social media. It is just a normal part of our busy, modern lives. But what does that distraction cost us
The Most Powerful Gift an Aunt Can Give (And It’s 100% Free) Read More »
If you are an aunt with a busy life, you probably know the feeling of guilt. You feel guilty that you do not have enough time to visit your new niece or nephew. You worry that your visits are not long enough to make a real difference. You want to be a present and loving
Why a 20-Minute Visit is Better Than a 3-Hour Stay (An Aunt’s Guide to Bonding) Read More »
Your little niece or nephew is on the verge of toddlerhood, and suddenly, they seem to understand so much more. You wave goodbye as you leave, and this time, a tiny hand waves back. You ask them where their nose is, and a chubby finger points in the right direction. It feels like you are
More Than Just a Clap: What Your Niece or Nephew is Really Telling You (10-12 Months) Read More »
The world looks very different when you are suddenly standing up. In what feels like the blink of an eye, your niece or nephew has gone from crawling on the floor to pulling themselves up on everything in sight. They are now “cruising” along the furniture, teetering on the verge of taking their first independent
Baby’s First Steps: An Aunt’s Guide to the Wobbly Fun (10-12 Months) Read More »
Just when you are getting used to your niece or nephew’s social smiles and giggles, a new behavior might pop up. The baby who used to happily go to anyone now buries their head in your shoulder when a new person says hello. They might even cry when a well-meaning stranger gets too close. This
Stranger Anxiety is a Good Sign: An Aunt’s Guide to Attachment (7-9 Months) Read More »
The quiet days of your niece or nephew playing happily on a single blanket are officially coming to an end. One day they are rocking on all fours, and the next, they are halfway across the living room. The mobile baby stage has begun, and it is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. As your little
Welcome to the Floor: The Smart Aunt’s Secrets to This Fun Stage Read More »
Just as you have gotten used to the sweet coos and giggles of your 4-month-old niece or nephew, they start to add new tricks to their repertoire. Suddenly, they are wiggling with purpose, reaching for everything in sight, and one day, they manage to flip themselves over. This is a whole new world of movement
Rolling and Grabbing: An Aunt’s Guide to Playtime (4-6 Months) Read More »
