How to Converse With Nieces & Nephews

Quality time with nieces and nephews allows you to impart wisdom into their lives

Nieces and nephews are a blessing because these are relatives you can influence in positive ways through your conversations and actions. In addition, you're also helping your siblings develop the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of their children when you spend time with them. When conversing with nieces and nephews, you really have no specific rules to follow. Just be yourself and use your life experiences to help them become well-rounded and mature adults.

Instructions

1. Share your life experiences with them. If you have twin teenage nieces who will attend college next year, talk to them about your college years and what you enjoyed the most about those years. For example, if you sold your old textbooks to make extra money, discuss how this activity taught you a strong work ethic and, for example, inspired you to open a used bookstore in your neighborhood years later.

2. Find out important information about your nieces and nephews. If you have a few nieces and nephews who are in elementary school and you're planning a back-to-school cookout for them, ask them what types of foods they like and why. Or if you notice your niece doesn't always play with your children when she comes over, ask why she prefers to play by herself a lot. Maybe she doesn't like how her cousins treat her at times and feels left out because of it.

3. Don't let your conversations become too serious. If your nephew asks you whether it's true that you used to compete with his mother for the best dates while in high school, share some funny moments and the outcomes in those situations. Or if your niece says your new puppies look like little chocolate candies, let her think of a funny names for the puppies.

References

• KPVI: Fun Tips for the Family Road Trip