Just over a month ago, I became an aunt for the first time.
This past weekend we got to make the trip and meet our little nephew Levi and he is pretty amazing. He is sweet, super chill and smiles easily for Aunty.
It dawned on me that I am entering auntyhood rather late in the game, and my brother and sister-in-law have had eight years of practice and are pretty much pros. It will definitely serve me well to take pointers from them on how to rock being an aunt.
Being that we live four hours from one sibling and 11 hours from another, much of the 鈥渁unting鈥� has to be done from a distance. I think that when you are a long distance from family, it requires another level of intentionality to build relationships with kids.
One thing my brother is amazing at is that he calls to talk to the kids and me every couple of days. He has a highway commute to work and so he utilizes that time to Bluetooth call and have a quick chat.
It鈥檚 amazing the impact that has on our world as the kids have regular dialogue with him and he鈥檚 totally in the loop about what is going on in their lives. So, step one for me is 鈥渃all nephew often.鈥�
My husband鈥檚 sister is amazing at scheduling time to come and see her niece and nephew. It usually involves a flight and she makes it happen every few months, so making time and money available for visits is on the list.
When visiting they both take separate time to engage just the kids. Whether it鈥檚 jumping on the trampoline, going for bike rides, having water balloon fights or playing Barbies, these two get right in there and it is a thrill for their niece and nephew. My new sister-in-law is always bringing crafts or activities to do with the kids. I鈥檓 so thankful to have such great examples of 鈥渉ow to aunt鈥� and that my kids have such amazing family who invest in them.
