If you're lucky enough to be blessed with an absolutely adorable nephew like I am, you know how much fun it can be. It's crazy how much your life changes when your little best friend is born, and I honestly can't picture mine without him. There are countless perks that come with having a nephew, and I'm sure all of you lucky aunts and uncles out there can relate.
1. You have the ability to spoil your nephew like absolute crazy.
There are few things on this Earth that are more adorable than baby clothes. Now that you have a nephew, you no longer have to gaze at the baby section from across the store. You can now shamelessly shop for hours, looking for the most perfect outfits to spoil your nephew with. Even though your bank account might take a huge hit when your nephew is born, it's so totally worth it.
2. You get to tell him all the crazy stories that his parents will hide from him.
Whether your nephew is your sister's child or your brother's, you're bound to have some crazy stories from their high school/college careers. Since you know his parents will never actually tell him, you get the wonderful privilege of spilling all the juiciest gossip from his parents' past (once he's old enough, of course.)
3. You never have to assume full responsibility.
Having a nephew is the perfect deal. It's like having all the greatest parts of being surrounded by an adorable kid at all times, but with none of the negative responsibilities. Whenever your nephew's fun day takes a turn for the worst, and he is all of the sudden crying and screaming uncontrollably in public, you can happily hand him off to his actual parents and let them take care of it. You'll be around for whenever he's happy again.
4. You get to watch them grow.
Have you ever realized how quickly babies grow? It's practically exponential. Every single time you see your nephew, you'll notice new features about him that you've never seen before. And if you're lucky, you might even get to watch as he grows into a tiny version of you.
5. You get to show him off.
I shamelessly show off how adorable my nephew is pretty much 24/7. You'll find yourself showing photos of him to practically strangers, gawking over his cuteness in public, and praying someone brings him up in conversation. He will quickly become your favorite thing to tell others about.
6. You get to be the cool aunt/uncle.
We've all had that one aunt or uncle that we seem to click with, that just seems so much younger and cooler than the rest. You get to be this for your nephew! You can get them things you know their parents won't, stay up late with them, and be their go-to whenever they need help with something their parents wouldn't be too happy about.
7. Babysitting suddenly becomes fun.
There is something so different about watching someone else's child vs. watching your own mini-me nephew. It's the greatest and quickest way to bond, and it's so much fun, you won't even mind it.
8. They'll never fail to keep you young.
As both you and your nephew grow older, you may find yourself falling in and out of popular trends. Lucky for you, you'll always have a young nephew around to keep you in the loop so you never get too old.
9. You have someone to share your life advice with.
You may not think you do, but you have plenty of advice from all the life you've experienced. Your nephew will need guidance as they grow up, and you'll be lucky enough to share your wisest words with them.
10. You get to experience kid activities all over again.
Going to the park? Eating too much ice cream? Taking a trip to Disney World? You get to relive all the greatest parts of childhood with your nephew.
11. They will give you a lifetime of laughter.
From here on out, you'll always have a tiny best friend to keep you smiling, laughing, and happy.
Being an aunt or an uncle comes with responsibilities, but its perks clearly outweigh all of them. It's truly one of the greatest things you'll ever be. Few people are lucky enough to say they have someone who will love them no matter what, and when it comes to your nephew, you'll always love them right back.
