11 Rules All Aunts and Uncles Should Follow

The only thing better than being a mom or dad is being an aunt or uncle. Think about it: you get to experience all the amazing things about kids without the more challenging aspects (dirty diapers, college tuition, etc.). But with this title comes some major responsibilities. You have to balance being their friend with being their second set of parents. You have to find ways to have fun without spoiling them. It's not always easy, but it's worth the extra effort. Whether you have earned the title yourself or know someone else who has, these guidelines will help you be the best aunt or uncle to those special kids in your life. Source: Shutterstock

01
Be an Extra Set of Ears

Be an Extra Set of Ears

There are times when kids need adult advice but would rather not get it from their parents. Let your niece or nephew know that you are a person they can turn to for judgment-free guidance and (more importantly) that you won't share their secrets with their parents. Unless, of course, they are putting themselves in danger. Source: Flickr user chefranden

02
Follow the Parents' Rules

Follow the Parents' Rules

Consistency is key when raising children, so it's important that you don't stray far from Mom and Dad's rules. The kids will try to sway your decision with their cute faces and warm hugs, but it's important to stay strong. Source: Flickr user athenamat

03
Take the Kids Off Their Hands

Take the Kids Off Their Hands

If Mom and Dad seem superstressed or are in desperate need of a date night, offer to help them out. You'll get to spend some quality time with the kids, and they'll get some much-needed reprieve. Source: Flickr user chiara stevani

04
Master a Few Fun Crafts

Master a Few Fun Crafts

As an aunt or uncle, you need to know how to entertain kids without the use of an iPad. What better way to do that than with crafts? If you're not a very artsy person, we have a few fun projects to get you started. Source: Flickr user Carissa GoodNCrazy

05
Treat Them, but Don't Spoil Them

Treat Them, but Don't Spoil Them

Taking them out to ice cream or bringing them a souvenir from your trip is perfectly fine, but you don't need to spend big bucks every time you see your niece and nephew. After all, your love is the best thing you can give them. Source: Flickr user photochiel

06
Be There For the Little Moments

Be There For the Little Moments

It's easy to attend a birthday party or holiday dinner, but it means so much more to a child when you make it to their dance recital or congratulate them on a lost tooth. Source: Flickr user Casina Royale

07
Don't Play Favorites

Don't Play Favorites

Make sure to show all your nieces and nephews the same amount of affection and attention. Having one-on-one time with each child is a great way to make them feel special without showing favoritism. Source: Flickr user ~photogratree~

08
Let the Kids Have Fun With Food

Let the Kids Have Fun With Food

We know we told you to follow the parents' rules, but this is one you can bend. Have the kids over for dinner, and let them create some edible works of art. Source: Flickr user Mait Jüriado

09
Never Badmouth Their Parents

Never Badmouth Their Parents

Even if you disagree with something their parents did, it is important you keep your opinion to yourself. The last thing you want to do is start a fight between you, Mom, and Dad. Instead, offer your niece or nephew advice on how to handle the situation. Source: Flickr user gagilas

10
Set a Good Example

Set a Good Example

You are a role model to these kids, so make sure to be a great one. If you wouldn't want your niece or nephew to find out about something you're doing, then you probably shouldn't do it. Source: Flickr user kjd

11
Don't Try So Hard

Don't Try So Hard

As your niece and nephew enter the teen years, you may start to feel a shift in your relationship. Friending them on Facebook, "liking" every Instagram photo, and tweeting them about Justin Bieber is not the way to stay connected. Just keep being the loving aunt or uncle you've always been, and things will eventually return to normal. Source: Flickr user allygirl520