How to be 'the cool aunt'
Just like parenthood, auntie-hood - becoming aunt to your sibling's or close friend's new bundle of joy - is a rewarding and challenging experience. As you grow into your Savvy Auntie status, caring for your nieces and nephews will start to feel like second nature. What's great is knowing that your instinctual urges-those delicious desires to hug, kiss, and cuddle a newborn; the strong pull you feel inside you when the baby cries-are what's guiding you toward better and better auntie-ing skills. This is stuff that you probably don't need a book to teach you. But it's also some of the best stuff about auntie-ing, so I couldn't help sharing.
1. Affectionate, loving touch is essential for developing newborns' brains and bodies. Science has shown that preemies develop more quickly when caressed, and babies tend to cry less when held.
2. Responding to a baby's or young child's needs makes him or her feel secure, and a secure child grows up to be a secure adult. So put down that BlackBerry when caring for your niece or nephew and focus on what he or she needs. Watch for signals and read between the cries.
3. No matter how deep the discussion you're having with an uncle, if a toddler is grabbing for your attention, give it to him. Your responsiveness will make the child feel secure.
4. Address a child's needs with warmth and timeliness. This will build trust.
5. Stimulate their minds with new activities. Studies have shown that opening up a little one to a new experience, game or toy can actually demonstrate brain growth within hours.
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About the Author:
Melanie Notkin (a.k.a Savvy Auntie) is a genConnect.com expert guiding savvy aunties of NYC and the globe. Melanie Notkin is the author of Savvy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Love Kids (Morrow/HarperCollins), the founder of SavvyAuntie.com and the creator of the popular Savvy Auntie lifestyle brand - the phenomenon heralded by fabulous kid-friendly women everywhere as a celebration of modern, cosmopolitan aunthood.
Also check out Savvy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Love Kids (Morrow/HarperCollins). Watch the book's trailer, here.
