How to Be a Favorite Aunt

When a brand new niece or nephew is born, you develop a plan. As you warily eyeball the other new aunts in the hospital room, you make a vow under your breath, "This child will love me best." Not content to be the best aunt, you intend to be the favorite aunt as well.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Start early. Even infants have preferences. Offer to hold the baby every time the child is in a content mood. Happy babies sense adoration while being held.

2. Fix what's wrong. If you know the little urchin is hungry, warm a bottle. If the child smells like a dung heap, grab a diaper. The favorite aunt is an all knowing source of comfort in the child's eyes. However, this only works if you know why the child is unhappy. If you don't have a clue why the baby is crying, hand that child off like a hot potato.

3. Refrain from being the "mean one." Some contenders for Best Aunt think holding a crying baby endears them. This is not always the case. Crying babies are miserable and those that hold them captive without providing relief are associated with unhappiness. If you can't fix the problem, don't touch that baby.

4. Stay away from your sick niece or nephew at all costs. Sick children are ornery children, no matter what age they are. You cannot become the favorite aunt to a miserable, cranky youngster who hates everyone. If the child is sick, get out fast.

5. Provide the fun firsts. Bring the first chocolate bar. Buy the first ice cream cone. Organize the first trip to the beach, the fair, the zoo or the mall. No matter how old your niece or nephew, providing the child with favorites makes you a shoe-in as a favorite yourself.