By Melanie Linn Gutowski

Moms and dads need savvy aunties, too!

At some point in the adventure, every parent has one of those days that just would've gone more smoothly if they'd had a little time alone, whether it's to reconnect or just to sit and think. Here are some things we savvy aunties can do to pamper mom and dad.

Arrange to take your niece or nephew overnight for a sleepover, or maybe even an entire weekend.  Mom and dad can have a 'lost weekend' of their own!

If there's a hobby your niece or nephew is particularly interested in, but it might be too much hassle or mess for their parents to do with them, offer to have it be a special activity at your home. That way, they still get to experience it, but it cuts down on the stress for mom and dad.  It also becomes more of a special treat and something that will be more of a novelty when they get to do it.

Watch the kids for mom and dad one evening so they can have a pleasant dinner out.

If you live close by, cook and freeze nutritious, easily reheated dinners for your new parent friends. If you live out of town, give gift cards for a local meal delivery service or for nearby restaurants that offer delivery. In the chaotic weeks following their baby's arrival, they'll appreciate the ability to toss a ready-made meal into the oven or just pick up the phone and have hands and minds free to take care of baby.

If you're a long-distance auntie, set up a weekly webcam or Skype chat with your niece or nephew. Mom and dad would probably welcome a few extra moments to read the newspaper or catch up on their shows.

Melanie Linn Gutowski is a freelance writer and a proud Godmother.