We all have a family. Even if not all of us are married or have
children, many of us have siblings who do have children. We can
create relationships with our nieces and nephews to become close
to them, and to help our brothers and sisters with family
difficulties. The Family: A Proclamation to the World states
that, "Extended families should lend support when needed."
Through the unique relationship that exists between aunts and
uncles and nieces and nephews, there are many things that you
can do to be a positive influence in your niece or nephew's
life. Why are the aunt and uncle relationships so unique? For
the most part, people can't choose whether or not to have a
relationship with their parents. They grow up in the same house,
they see each other and talk together daily, and they have an
ongoing, hopefully positive relationship. Aunts and uncles have
more freedom than parents in choosing to develop a relationship
with a niece or nephew, and both must be interested in forming
that bond. Aunts and uncles d