Being the youngest sibling in a huge family, I've gained plenty of experience being an aunt and learned that "Aunt Maggie" is the greatest title to have. Here's Why.
1. You witness parenting first-hand.
When you spend a lot of time with your siblings and their children, you witness different parenting styles or ways to handle situations and learn from them.
2. You have an excuse to do crazy fun kid things.
Whether it's joining your 12-year-old niece in an indoor trampoline park, letting your 9-year-old nephew drive you around in his go-kart, or crawling into a tunnel at the zoo to experience the meerkats first-hand with your 2-year-old nephew, it's always a party.
3. You get asked all the time, "Are they yours?"
Not quite, but the resemblance is scary.
4. You have pictures of them everywhere.
On your lock screen, your social media, your refrigerator, your dashboard- the list goes on and on!
5. Right before you send them back to their parents is the prime time to give them sugar.
"Aunt Maggie, can we stop at Sonic for milkshakes on the way home?" Why yes, yes we can. You want a large?
6. You stay hip with all the kid trends.
If it weren't for them, you wouldn't know how to Whip and Nae Nae, Hit the Quan, or dab. They keep you cool.
7. You teach them hilarious things that annoy their parents.
Whether it be teaching them to sing "Whoomp, There It Is" or to say "Ya Nasty!", it gives you joy when your sister sarcastically says, "thanks a lot".
8. You talk about them nonstop.
You can't help it. They bring you so much joy, you can't help but show off their pictures and update your friends on the latest in their lives.
9. They get spoiled by you.
With love and money, but mostly love (because I'm a college student). You have a rewards card at Carter's and go into Justice more than you'd like, but it's worth it for them.
10. You take pleasure in buying them loud or messy toys.
A musical toy? A paint set? Play dough, perhaps? Mommy and Daddy will LOVE having this gift in the house.
11. You are required to go to sporting events.
Gymnastics, Football, PTO Programs; you name it, you've been there.
12. You can't imagine how you could ever love a kid more than you love them.
They have a super special place in your heart. You don't have favorites and you love every one of them differently. They are your favorite tiny humans.
