1. Our Family Has Become Closer

My family hasn’t always been close, but we’ve definitely become closer over the last couple of years. Especially after my nephew was born, everyone started to make an extra effort to spend more time together and keep each other updated with what’s going on in our lives.

2. I'm Learning How To Be A Good Mother

Watching my sister take care of three children has definitely taught me a lot. I’ve learned everything from changing diapers to different methods of discipline. This is going to help me whenever I decide to have children of my own.

3. It's A Different Kind Of Unconditional Love

I never knew that I could love someone the way that I love my nephew and nieces - seeing them instantly puts a smile on my face. On the other hand, I never knew someone could love me the way that they do - the way that my niece clings onto my leg when she wants to be held by me is one of the best feelings in the world.

4. I Gain More Experience With Children

Being an Elementary Education major, this helps a lot. I get to learn new ways to interact with and teach different children.

5. I Get To Act Like A Kid Again

I get to sing children’s songs, act silly, and play with toys for hours. Even when my nephew tries to feed my homework to his dinosaurs, it’s still super fun.

6. Babysitting Is Never Boring

Since I get to act like a little kid, I can spend my time reading stories in funny voices or playing non-stop peek-a-boo while babysitting instead of just sitting around and watching TV.

7. Spending Time With My Nieces And Nephew Is A Stress Reliever

If I’m stressed out because of school, sports, or whatever it may be, all I have to do is drive an hour and I can get all of the laughs and cuddles that I need.

8. I Get To Eat With The Kids At Birthday Parties

Usually, most people would see this as a bad thing, but who would pass up the opportunity to eat chicken tenders and French fries?

9. I'm Growing Up With Them

I think that being able to experience different life events with the kids makes us closer. While I was graduating high school, my nephew was turning one. While I was finishing up my first semester of college, my first niece was being baptized. While I was starting to take my first classes that actually related to my major, my second niece was born.

10. My Phone Is Full Of Cute Baby Pictures

If you know me, you know just how much I love my sister’s children. My phone always has about a hundred pictures of them and I catch myself looking at them every day.

11. I Get To Show Off Those Cute Baby Pictures

If you ask me how the kids are doing, I can always show you a new picture of them. I’m proud to be their aunt and I absolutely love hearing, “Aw, they’re so cute!”