Being a fun aunt is easy; becoming someone they confide in and connect with takes one-on-one time
From Treats to Time Together
Emily once embraced the familiar role of the traveling aunt, bringing snacks and birthday presents, making the children laugh, then leaving the responsibilities to their parents. As her nieces and nephew got older, she noticed she often relied on their mothers to learn what they wanted.
She started “Auntie Emily Days,” planning individual outings around each child. The activities included ice skating at Wollman Rink, lunch at Oheka Castle, and on-field access for her nephew. A small gift might come home with each child, but Emily says the itinerary was not the main point.
Seeing Each Child Clearly
One-on-one time gave each child a few uninterrupted hours without needing to share attention or negotiate with a sibling. Emily says that setting helped her notice sides of their personalities she had not seen before.
She describes Emma as grateful and enthusiastic, Zoë as someone who finds humor in almost anything, and Jessica as analytical with a goofy streak. Jocelyn is confident and intuitive, JJ observant and thoughtful, and Isabelle sweet and quiet. Emily says baby Isla is a force of nature and that she looks forward to spending time with her as she gets older.
Trust Through Listening
Away from siblings and parents, the children talk with Emily about school friendships, worries and things they are excited about. She says they open up when they feel someone is listening just to them.
Emily is not their parent, and she says their conversations stay private unless they need her help. She does not keep dangerous secrets, but believes the children should be able to share their stories without assuming every detail will immediately be passed along. She sees that trust as important as they grow older.
The Moments That Matter
The outings are not always what Emily remembers most. Sometimes it is sharing French fries while the children tell a joke or talk about a sibling, or standing in the cold on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.
She also values hearing their candid thoughts about school and activities, and watching them gain confidence ordering for themselves at a restaurant. The article ends as Emily begins to say she has heard they are doing that at home.
Key points
- Emily created individual days to learn more about her nieces and nephew as they grew up.
- The outings are tailored to each child’s interests, but Emily says the itinerary is not the point.
- Time without siblings or parents nearby has led the children to share worries, friendships and excitement.
- Emily says trust comes from listening and respecting their privacy, while not keeping dangerous secrets.