By Katelyn Fry

Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy quality time with our loved ones – the people we are most thankful for. Here are seven fun ideas for QualAuntie Time with your nieces and nephews this Thanksgiving Day and all weekend long!

1. Play Board Games

Take a trip down memory lane and dig up board games from your childhood to introduce to your nieces and nephews. In return, have them choose their own favorite, likely one you aren’t familiar with, and let them take charge and teach you how to play. They’ll love getting the chance to be the instructor. Either way, remember that letting them win is a losing game.

2. Snuggle Together and Read

Reading is a great opportunity to snuggle together - and is especially good for younger nieces and nephews; the earlier you begin reading to a child, the better language skills they will have later on. And don't worry, older kids like to be read to, too. If your niece or nephew is a little older and already reading on their own, you two could pick out a book that neither of you are familiar with and start a brand new literary adventure together.

3. Be Their ConfidAunt

This idea might apply more to slightly older children, perhaps middle school and on. This age range can be more challenging because of the physical and emotional changes that come with it. Teens don’t always feel comfortable opening up to their parents or peers about these changes. Aunts are often who tween and teen nieces and nephews confide in. Take advantage of your role and when given a moment of privacy to simply ask your niece or nephew about their life: about school; who they're hanging out with; romantic interests; any other interests, etc. More than likely, they have a lot to say, and are just waiting for you to ask.

4. Work Up an Appetite

Many communities hold a Thanksgiving run on this holiday, typically as a fundraiser for charity. Do a little research and see if there is a Thanksgiving run near you/where your holiday will be spent, and if so, seize the opportunity to not only get some time with your nieces and/or nephews, but get them to be physically active  - all for a good cause! If you can’t make it to an official run or marathon, don’t let that stop you. A simple walk around the neighborhood or in the local park will build up that appetite, or help burn some of those pumpkin pie calories after dinner!

5. Get Them Involved

Instead of just waiting for the food to be ready, this year, have your nieces and nephews join in and help! Give the kids a specific task or tasks that you can accomplish together, like peeling potatoes, shucking corn, baking biscuits, etc. Or, you and your nieces and nephews can be in charge of providing snacks throughout the day for the rest of the family and friends. You can choose from any one of these easy and quick Thanksgiving treats recipes. Your little ones will love feeling a sense of purpose and pride instead of just sitting on the sidelines - and the end result is a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy, from start-to-finish!

6. Make Your Own Place Mats

Want to keep the kids busy before Thanksgiving dinner is served? This activity is not only simple, but will allow your nieces and nephews to be creative and remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place. All you’ll need are crayons or markers and some paper (white or construction). Write down each family member’s or guest's name and one reason you are thankful for that person. Decorate the place mats. When guests pick up their plates, they will see the personalized surprise underneath. What a lovely way to begin Thanksgiving dinner!

7. Donate Together

Round up a handful of things you no longer need and wish to donate to charity. When you are with your nieces and nephews, explain to them why you chose the items and the importance of giving to people in need as opposed to just throwing them away. Then, you can offer to go through some of your nieces' and nephews' toys and clothing they have grown out for donation. If you have a list of charities, let them choose the one(s) they prefer to donate to. Not only will this be a very wholesome and humbling bonding experience for you to share with the children, but by letting them take the lead, you are setting the stage for giving back in the future.

Photo: RockandWasp
Published: November 23, 2016