I was only 12 years old when my niece was born. Not even a teenager and I had been given a huge responsibility- being the best role model I can be for this precious little girl.

I knew that she would always be around to watch me, to watch everything I did, I had to be the best I could be so she would want to be the best that she could be.

During the first few months of her life, I was practically begging to do everything I could do to help my brother and sister-in-law. I would change diapers, feed her, and play peek-a-boo all day long! To me, that gave me my happiness.

Knowing that this seven-pound bundle of joy was not just another baby, she was my niece! I would be able to watch this baby grow and help her grow into someone I hope she is proud to be.

Fast forward to now; she is seven years old, her little brother is almost four years old, and their younger sister is almost two! Every time I walk into their house I hear the words "Aunt Dee Dee" and all of my worries disappear.

Who would've thought playing with dolls or little trucks would be so much fun as a 17-year-old? If you would've asked me that before these kids were born I would've definitely said: "Not me!" But it is fun because it makes them happy and that is what makes me happy.

Now that my oldest niece is in school, it's not just being a good role model to her. It's also about being a good student so she can see what she can succeed if she is a good student.

I help her with her homework and always make sure she does good on her weekly tests. If she doesn't do so good one week, I don't scold her- I help her fix her mistakes so she can do better next week. Helping her and her siblings do the best they can is the greatest feeling I can have as an aunt.

Some people may think this is ridiculous- I respect that. Most people won't understand how important these seemingly small things are until you have the title of an aunt but once you do; welcome to the aunt life, there's no turning back.