11 Rules All Aunts and Uncles Should Follow

There are times when kids need adult advice but would rather not get it from their parents. Let your niece or nephew know that you are a person they can turn to for judgment-free guidance and (more importantly) that you won't share their secrets with their parents. Unless, of course, they are putting themselves in danger.

Source: Flickr user chefranden

Consistency is key when raising children, so it's important that you don't stray far from Mom and Dad's rules. The kids will try to sway your decision with their cute faces and warm hugs, but it's important to stay strong.

Source: Flickr user athenamat

If Mom and Dad seem superstressed or are in desperate need of a date night, offer to help them out. You'll get to spend some quality time with the kids, and they'll get some much-needed reprieve.

Source: Flickr user chiara stevani

As an aunt or uncle, you need to know how to entertain kids without the use of an iPad. What better way to do that than with crafts? If you're not a very artsy person, we have a few fun projects to get you started.

Source: Flickr user Carissa GoodNCrazy

Taking them out to ice cream or bringing them a souvenir from your trip is perfectly fine, but you don't need to spend big bucks every time you see your niece and nephew. After all, your love is the best thing you can give them.

Source: Flickr user photochiel

It's easy to attend a birthday party or holiday dinner, but it means so much more to a child when you make it to their dance recital or congratulate them on a lost tooth.

Source: Flickr user Casina Royale

Make sure to show all your nieces and nephews the same amount of affection and attention. Having one-on-one time with each child is a great way to make them feel special without showing favoritism.

Source: Flickr user ~photogratree~

You are a role model to these kids, so make sure to be a great one. If you wouldn't want your niece or nephew to find out about something you're doing, then you probably shouldn't do it.

Source: Flickr user kjd

As your niece and nephew enter the teen years, you may start to feel a shift in your relationship. Friending them on Facebook, "liking" every Instagram photo, and tweeting them about Justin Bieber is not the way to stay connected. Just keep being the loving aunt or uncle you've always been, and things will eventually return to normal.

Source: Flickr user allygirl520