The Aunt/Uncle Rules (Lighthearted)

[Random321]

Inspired by another thread. I'm an aunt, no kids of my own.

What are the rules that aunt/uncles should follow?

So far I have:

1. No surprises unless checked with parents beforehand
2. Any plans to treat neices/nephews shouldn't inconvience or cost their parents
3. Never buy anything noise or messy as a present
4. Nothing dangerous
5. Mind them as if they were my own
6. Don't return them hyper and full of sugar!

What other rules should apply to aunts/uncles?

Nah I’m a fun Auntie, mum and dad say no they ask me 🤣 but I’ve got kids too so they do things I say no too as well! Being an Auntie and Uncle is great, less rules, less mess and you get to give them back. My brother and SIL say no slime so i let them gave slime at mine and I think they appreciate that. You’re not a parent so think it can be more relaxed kids understand it’s one rule at home and another at Auntie house.

Don't tell 8yo DN that he's going to come on holiday with you if it involves 2 6-hour trips for SIL.

I think my only rules are seatbelts, and don’t let him pressure you into spending mad money,

I trust my DCs aunts and uncles to look after them without explicit rules.
Even the one who famously agreed to chocolate for breakfast (long story, it was fine)

I thought it was an unwritten rule that aunts always bought the loudest and messiest of presents and filled the kids with sugar

I allow them go all the messy stuff in my house, just won't allow them to bring home. Made that mistake once - learnt quickly.

I might also fill them with sugar but make sure it wears off before sending them home.

The younger ones all think it's really cool they are allowed stay up an hour later than their normal bedtime! Of course their parents know and don't care. One of my nieces really struggled with the no secrets/lying rule as she perceived it so went home after her weekend with me and told her parents that "she had done something really bad".
They had to tell her that it was ok to stay up late on special occassions!

My rule was always "Auntie doesn't change nappies when there's a parent present!" 😁

My big one as an aunt is no secrets from mom and dad! If we're staying up late, we ask mom and/or dad first and my nieces and nephews know that we've asked. I want to be a fun aunt but I also want to be a safe grownup and teach them habits that will keep them safe interacting with all the other adults in their life. Another one is no pressure for hugs, cuddles, whatever - we're all about bodily autonomy around here!

Rules 3 and 6 should always be ignored.

Nah, my kids' aunties surprise them, buy them playdoh and slime, keep them up past their bedtime and return them full of sugar 🤣 I will also happily facilitate them spending time together.

Half of the fun of being an aunt or uncle is to gently wind up the parents. Noisy presents, especially at Christmas when they are likely to be opened before Mum and Dad choose to wake up, are part of the fun. I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of such gifts (think voice-changing mics with spare batteries, drums, mouth organs, ocarinas) and I never had a problem with them - and neither did my siblings - beyond a ‘I’ll pay you back next Christmas’.

I know this is a light hearted thread but… I think the only actual rule would be never to ask nieces & nephews to keep secrets from their parents. Even if their parents know what it is. Even if it’s a daft thing like too many sweets.
I just have a big problem/fear of kids being asked to ‘just keep things between us’

Sorry… back to fun & light now.