I became an aunt when I was just 7 years old, so I've definitely had the title for awhile. I've always loved being an aunt; it is something I have always taken pride in. My third nephew was born on January 26, 2018, meaning I now have 2 nieces and 3 nephews. Lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the best parts about being a young aunt.

1. I have had TONS of practice with taking care of kids.

I have always been the go to babysitter, which means I'm super comfortable around children. Most people get frustrated when they hear a baby crying in public, but I've become completely immune to it.

2. They are like my own kids, but without all of the dirty work.

I get to love on them, help take care of them, play with them, and I don't have to do any of the hard stuff. I know being a parent is one of the hardest jobs you can have, but it is so nice getting to do all of the fun stuff and not having to take on anything challenging.

3. I get to act like a kid, even when everyone else around me is growing up.

Being 18 and in my first year of college, everyone I know is becoming an adult. Lucky for me, I get to stay a kid for as long as my nieces and nephews are little (I wish they would stay little forever.)

4. You get to grow up with them.

I was only 7 when my first niece was born, which means that we got to grow up together. I remember being little 2nd grader me and being so excited about her being born and about getting to read my favorite Shel Silverstein poems to her. It's so crazy to think that she's 11 now and going into middle school next year.

5. They think you're the coolest person ever.

You're basically a giant kid to them, which automatically makes you an awesome person in their eyes. You're always down to watch cartoons and sword fight with them, and they'll always cherish those memories that they have with you.

6. You have a special bond with them that they don't have with anyone else.

Because you are so young, they automatically connect with you. Who else connects with them like you do? Of course their parents are their parents, but you are like that cool, fun parent that lets them get away with stuff. You get to sneak them extra candy and things that they were told no about.

7. You get to see your siblings turn into different people

You grow up with your siblings seeing them in a certain way, and then you see them turn into new people once they have kids. You see them as young and as someone exactly like you. When they become parents, you see them turn into adults and you feel like they have their whole life together (even if they tell you otherwise.)