How to Bond with Your Nieces and Nephews

Are you a first-time Aunt or are you looking for tips on how to bond with your niece or nephew? Being an aunt was always exciting to me. From playing “family” with my little sister to actually living it, being “Auntie Joey” is one of the best names I have. I’ve done late nights and early mornings, hospital visits, being covered in bodily fluids, the first day of school, punishments, tantrums, accomplishments and a whole lot more.

How to bond with your Niece or Nephew

Coming from a big family, one thing I wanted to accomplish as an aunt is bonding with my nieces and nephews. I often get questioned by friends and followers about how I’m able to be so close to them. The truth is, I simply find time to bond with my nieces and nephews. I also created the relationship I wanted with my aunts growing up. If you’re a new aunt or uncles and looking for simples ways to bond with your niece or nephew, here are some ways to get started.

Offer to Babysit

Parenting is work and children take up a lot of the free time they once had. Give mom and dad a break and watch your niece or nephew for a bit. It doesn’t have to be all day. They can use this time off for self-care, date night, or even sleep. It also gives you the opportunity to get to know your niece or nephew more.

Niece and Nephew Playtime

I have the most fun playing with my nieces and nephews. Set aside the tablets and video games and take them outside to play tag, ride bikes or board games. If they’re school-aged, play “classroom” and let them be the teacher. You’ll get ALL the tea that goes on in the classroom.

Have a Niece and Nephew Day

Outdoor activities are a great way to bond with your nieces and nephews. As children, my siblings and I remember local trips to the park, library, and Coney Island as an adventure with my aunt. You can take your niece or nephew to see their favorite tv character live, or do day trips to a theme park or beach when school isn’t in session. I don’t leave them out of my traveling experience either. Whether we FaceTime my hotel room, I bring back home a souvenir, share pictures, and videos, or simply count the stamps in my passport.

Enjoying a niece and nephew day at Disney on Ice

Show Support

Support can go a long way with anyone. You can support your nieces and nephews by going to their school plays, band, chorus, martial arts, or graduation ceremonies. Another way of showing support is by purchasing items via school fundraisers. You may not be able to make it to every show or game, but show support like taking them to practice or having them show you their moves via Skype or FaceTime. Even as they grow older, they won’t forget. These simple ways to start bonding with your nieces and nephews can work for tweens and teens too. It may be a bit challenging at first, but try putting yourself in their shoes. A simple conversation about getting to know them does help.