7 foolproof ways to be the ‘Wicked Uncle’ or ‘Wild Aunt’ you’ve always wanted to be (psst… these REALLY work!!!)

Disclosure: This is a paid partnership post with Wicked Uncle

Who wouldn’t want to be known as the ‘Cool Aunt’/’Wild Aunt’ or ‘Wicked Uncle’ or of the family? Having been an aunt for far longer than being a mum, I speak from experience here. It is an awesome feeling when your nieces and nephews run to you with open arms, loudly proclaiming you’re their “favourite adult”.

But it takes work to earn (and keep) that title. There’s a lot involved too – from doing fun activities together to gifting brilliant children’s presents to being the person they can confide in and share secrets with. So if you’ve always wanted to climb the ‘wicked uncle’ or ‘cool aunt’ ladder, sit back and take notes.

1. Buy gifts that are fun, educational and generally awesome!

Let’s face it – a way to a child’s heart is through, err, gifts! Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, and gadgets a man’s but a child can never have enough toys! So a surefire way to win over your niece or nephew’s affection is to shower them with awesome gifts. BUT, you don’t want to be spoiling them nor do you want your sibling’s house to be filled with random plastic crap (you might immediately be demoted to not-so-cool-aunt in that case!!!).

Which is why I always buy presents here as you get a wide range of amazing children’s presents and toys which are a little bit different and a lot of fun. Be it for the budding adventurer or a hardcore dinosaur fan; building and construction toys or something for the garden; sensory play for babies or educational toys, games and books, Wicked Uncle is my go-to place for awesome children’s presents.

2. Plan outings and do fun stuff together (basically act like a kid with them!)

Children don’t like to be in one place for long, especially not indoors. The curious little minds seek adventure and activity, so if you’re an outdoorsy and active person, you’re already on the right track. Plan different outings and activities whenever you meet your nieces and nephews – it could be a visit to a children’s museum or a fun trek or even a picnic in the local park.

You don’t have to always venture out too far either; just think outside the box. Have a sleepover in a tent in the garden on a warm summer night; or an impromptu water fight on a summer’s afternoon or just kick the ball around with them in the backyard. Just be available, be willing and be fun!

3. … But be their special go-to person as well

It’s easy being the fun adult and playing games, but in order to have a real connection and form a long-lasting bond as favourite aunt or uncle, you’ve got to be their go-to person when they need to confide in someone. Kids don’t always share stuff with their parents for fear of being judged or reprimanded; yet they need an adult who they can trust and share problems with and ask for advice. If you’re that special one, you’ve nailed it! Being cool is also about being their safe space and showing them you love them unconditionally.

4. Find a common interest – and let that be your special thing

Maybe you both enjoy a particular sport. Or painting or cooking. Why not do what you both love together? Perhaps you both want to learn a new skill, say the piano. Enrol for classes together. Make your common interest your special thing – this will help you bond with them and will be more fun too!

5. Be on trend… if you really wanna be ‘cool’

It’s simple – if you want to be ‘cool’, you’ve got to be in the know. Find out the latest kiddie/ teen trends, and jump right in! Take the effort to learn their lingo, know the latest songs and hottest bands and what’s trending in their world. You’ll be rewarded when they introduce you to their friends as the ‘cool’ aunt or ‘wicked uncle’!!!

6. Help them push boundaries without going overboard

Be your nephew or niece’s right-hand man (or woman) – the one they can lean on when the going gets tough. Help them be the best version of themselves, and let them know you are always around to support them. Be it their first date or their first job, help them push the envelope just enough to succeed.

7. Be their friend… not just their aunt/ uncle

Yup, that’s the crux of nailing it as “favourite aunt or uncle” – be your nephew or niece’s friend also. You may be much older than them, but don’t let that stop you. Age or a generation gap is no barrier – if you can hang out with them, do silly things together, laugh at the same jokes and yet be their rock, you’re promoted to friend and coolest aunt or uncle at the same time.

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