Luckily for Zoey and Axel, they have a lot of aunts. Like all five of them. Unfortunately, none of the aunts live close by but when they do get to spend time with the kids, it’s that much more precious and fun.  I would like to say that Zoey enjoys all of her aunts’ company because they all bring something different to the table.

Out of the bunch, there is (of course) always that one really ‘cool’ aunt. The one who just completely adores Zoey, fell head over heels for her and periodically sends her a surprise box full of goodies any four year old princess could ever dream of.

That aunt would be Auntie Geri. Here’s a little flashback of Zoey and her most favorite aunt enjoying afternoon tea at The Boston Harbor Hotel.

How can you not love an aunt who sips tea, enjoys the most delicious sweet treats, and nibbles on delicate sandwiches with you?!

In honor of all the cool aunts out there, here’s a guest post by Katy Parsons about how to totally nail being the ‘cool aunt.’ Katy lives and works in Washington, DC. She loves photography, traveling, and spoiling her adorable nieces and nephews. Enjoy!

How to Totally Nail Being the ‘Cool Aunt- guest post by Katy Parsons

The time has come, and you’ve now got all the joy and responsibility that comes with helping raise a niece or nephew. Being an aunt may be one of the most important things you ever do. You serve as a role model, provide guidance, and spoil with affection (and the occasional toy). It’s easy to secure yourself the “favorite aunt” title with a few simple steps.

Right Off the Bat Being a cool aunt starts with being a good aunt. Being there for your sister or sister-in-law, even when you can’t physically be there to help, is a great way to start off on the right foot. After she gives birth, send her some flowers or a gift basket of some sort that she can enjoy while getting used to her new role as mommy. Thinking of mom, as well as the baby, is the best way to put you in the number 1 spot for the ‘cool aunt’ position right off the bat.

Take a Trip If your niece or nephew is a toddler or older, a trip to the beach depending on your geography could be just the ticket to cement your place as the best aunt in the world. We all know how much little ones love the sand and surf, and you can spend a day in the sun releasing your inner child while splashing in the waves with your favorite kids. If there’s no beach nearby, pick a kid-friendly place they’re sure to enjoy. The most important thing is that you’ll be spending quality time with them and creating memories they will remember for years to come.

Nails, Nails, Nails If your niece is a girl who loves all things pretty, get her a manicure kit and teach her all about the coolest nail trends. Invite her over for a night of girl time, and treat her to her very own mani-pedi session. This is the perfect time to talk about crushes and have those special girl chat sessions we all fondly remember.

Role Model Your title as role model shouldn’t be taken lightly. While it’s fun to be the favorite, it’s also important to reinforce great examples and life lessons for your niece or nephew. Don’t let kids get away with too many things that their parents wouldn’t approve of. If they do something they know they shouldn’t, discipline them in the same way their parents would (as long as you’ve received permission). Keeping a firm stance on no-no’s can be a hard task, but your niece or nephew’s parents will be so thankful, and you’ll provide necessary support and guidance.

Play To Your Strengths Play to your strengths to bond with your niece or nephew, and fill a role they need. Maybe you’ll be bestowed the title of ‘secret keeper’ and guard what they tell you with your life. Perhaps you’ll be the aunt that provides all the laughs and goofy gag gift items. Take it even further and teach your niece or nephew a skill that you’re great at, or spend time learning together. Arts and crafts is always a winner. If you’re a musician, start giving simple lessons and inspire a love of music. They will be much more likely to pay attention and develop special interests if they have a teacher they love—you!

Game Time When it comes time to visit, be prepared to play. Roll around on the ground, practice your best monster voices, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy. Becoming the cool aunt means being the best playmate, and trust, you’ll miss these imagination years once the kiddos get older. Being silly is a surefire way to endear yourself to the hearts of tiny tykes, and will give you the chance to reconnect with your inner child, so everybody wins.

Sleepovers If possible, host sleepovers and have a stash of toys and fun items waiting for your niece or nephew to play with. Order a pizza and some special treats, like chocolate covered berries, and make this a tradition for every time they come over. Make your house a place of a little bit of indulgence for them. Build a fort in the living room, or pitch a tent in the backyard and sleep out there.

Learning Opportunities Make learning fun by taking your niece or nephew on excursions to local museums, zoos, aquariums, and anything else you have in your arsenal. After spending a day filling your brains with new information, let them select a souvenir so they always remember the wonderful time spent with you. Becoming an aunt is an exciting time, and you’ll learn a love like you’ve never known. Spend quality time with your niece or nephew and form a bond that will last a lifetime.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this guest post! I can totally relate to the nails portion (minus the talk about crushes)!

Enjoy your Wednesday.