• I consider myself the "cool aunt" because I'm close to my niece and nephews. • They often turn to me for advice, and in turn, they teach me how to stay relevant. • They also help me stay connected and feel less isolated.

I never set out to be the "cool aunt." But somewhere between allowing my niece to rely on me as a confidant, offering career advice to my oldest nephew, and inviting his younger brother to come along on vacations with my husband and daughter, I found myself stepping naturally into the role.

Being a cool aunt isn't something you can plan for. It's a designation that emerges over time, built on trust, humor, and the willingness to show up. It's not parenting, and it's not friendship. It's something in between.

And for me, it's one of the most rewarding relationships

See Full Page