I recently got back from working at a camp this summer, which meant that I was away from my nephew for two almost three months. Our only way of communication was FaceTime conversations that lasted about two minutes or less, because he's a toddler who isn't going to have a deep conversation with me about what the meaning of life is. Now that I'm home and get to see my nephew on a daily bases, it's reminded me of how fun it is being an aunt to this spunky kid. Here are ten reasons why being an aunt or uncle is so much fun.
1. Being an aunt or uncle literally gives you an excuse to act like a child.
There have been so many times when you've jumped on the bed, ran around the house, broken things, built forts and bought useless junk all in the name of being an aunt or uncle. The greatest part is that no one questions you, because you're doing it for the sake of your niece or nephew. All adult behavior goes out the window, and stuffing Cheetos up your nose somehow becomes magically acceptable.
2. You get to have a sidekick
Being an aunt or uncle means that you have someone who thinks that everything you do is a great idea even though it probably isn't. That means that you have a partner in crime for every activity you do. Take water guns and spray it on those random dogs? Consider it done. Have a yelling match across the house while also giggling non-stop? Let me get some water for our voices. Go roll in the dirt even though mom said no? Let me go get my shoes.
3. You're caught up on all the latest kids shows
The countless hours of watching "Blues Clues," "Doc McStuffins" and "Sesame Street" are hours you can never get back. Yet, you find yourself starting to enjoy all those shows. Not only that, but now you're emotionally connected to if Dora will actually get to Candy Mountain or what the number of the day is on "Sesame Street."
4. You learn what it means to be selfless
Let's face it. There have been moments when your sibling has asked you to babysit on a day/night that is so inconvenient. Maybe it's not even inconvenient, but you just wanted a night to relax and binge watch Netflix. Either way you're not really in the mood to do kid patrol, but then this tingly feeling comes into play. It's called love and guilt, and you realize you'd rather suck it up then let some stranger watch that precious human.
5. You know how to decode their language.
As an aunt or uncle you have now mastered the art of understanding your niece or nephew, and you honestly should get a degree for it. Countless months and years learning that "ugh" means cup, "growl" means dog and "bob" is a replacement for your name. You can decode anything they say, and you honestly feel like a genius. Well I mean, you are one, so there is that.
6. They teach you what it really means to love
Okay, let's have another real moment. There are times your niece or nephew starts acting like a kid from "The Children of the Corn." Nothing seems to be making them happy that day, and you really are considering why the heck your sibling even decided to have children. Then in about a split second they end up giving you some dirt pile, or picture they colored for you, and then you remember that no matter what you love that little goober.
7. You have someone who looks up to you.
To your niece or nephew you are someone who can do no wrong. They look past your flaws and let you know that you are loved. You can rob a bank, and they'd be wearing a shirt that said "Free my homie *insert your name*." They are your biggest cheerleader, and it's all because they think you hung the moon. Knowing this is the best, yet most terrifying feeling in the world. It makes you want to be responsible, and set a good example (but first, you both should go eat that piece of cake while no one is looking and it's past their snack time).
8. Nothing grosses you out
After the amount of diapers, spit up, boogers, etc. nothing seems to phase you. Clean up a toilet that has poop on it? No problem. What? There is throw up on the ground? Yeah, I'll go get the cleaning supplies. A booger on your arm? Eh, you've touched worse. Fear Factor doesn't have anything on you.
9. It teaches you how to be overprotective
There isn't much to discuss on this one. I think all aunts and uncles can say that if you mess with our niece or nephew we will throw down faster than you can finish blinking.
10. You get a best friend.
There is no one else in this world that understands you better than your niece or nephew. They are there to listen to your nonsense, or how your day went. Even if they don't understand what you're actually saying they understand you, and they know just what to do when it comes to you
Being an aunt or an uncle is exhausting work. We are the go-to baby sitter, protector and spit-up rag. Yet, there is nothing you’d rather be doing with your life, or time. Being an aunt or uncle is a job that doesn’t even feel like a job.
