How to Be an Aunt to Extended Family

Now days it’s not uncommon to have step-brothers and step-sisters in a family and have to adjust to having a new sister or brother. But it is a little different when your parents get remarried and now you don’t just have step-brothers and step-sisters but you also may get a new niece(s) and/or nephew(s). When a sibling has a little baby you have an attachment to your new niece or nephew from birth on but when you get new ones through your parent’s marriage it takes a little getting use to. This is a simple way to be an aunt to your new niece(s) and/or nephew(s).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Be an Aunt to Extended Family

1. The first thing is to build a relationship with your new step-brother or step-sister. Having a relationship with them will make it easier to get to know your niece(s) and/or nephew(s) because you will be more involved in their lives-birthdays, holidays and other celebrations.

2. Once you get to know your new sibling(s), set up some time where you can have a few hours to visit and play with your niece(s) and/or nephew(s). You can go to the park and play, go over to their house, meet for lunch, whatever activity would allow you to get to know your new extended family.

3. Repeat step two until the child(ren) are comfortable with your new relationship. Don’t rush this, it may take some time depending on the age of the child(ren) to accept that they have a new aunt. You can’t make up for lost time and it’s best not to go over board if you have other nieces and/or nephews because they may begin to feel that you are favoring your new niece(s) and/or nephew(s).

4. Next is to make sure that you try to do something to special just for your nieces and/or nephews. Have just a day were you all get together, this will make them all feel special and keep anyone from feeling left out. Try to do a picnic, sleepover, movie or just a day out, the activity will of course depend on the ages of the child(ren). This will also be a great time to show that you are an aunt to everyone and the child(ren) can see that you treat all of them the same.

5. Now that you have a great relationship and have gotten to know your new family – go be an aunt to all your nieces and/or nephews-new and old-enjoy all the wonderful moments that you will have together.

[missforty]

on 6/24/2008 Great relationship-building ideas.