Dear Aunties,

It's starting to become a stressful time of year, isn't it?

Are you feeling run down from work, stressed over a relationship, a little in over your head with a project... yet you have your niece and nephew coming to spend the entire weekend with you?

It's okay ... Take a deep breath.

How old are the kiddos?

If they're toddlers, set out a cardboard box.  You'll be amazed at how busy they can keep themselves. 

Are they older?  Give them some old pictures of you and their mom/dad to look through.  They'll love it!  Give them some spares, glue, marker, and paper, and the can make a treasured scrapbook.

School aged?  Can you make it through whatever kids movie is playing right now?  Run to the movie theater! 

Some kids are into art, and you'll need to supervise judging by their age, but that can keep them busy for an entire afternoon.  You'd be surprised what kids will make out of things even an Auntie like you may have lying around the house!!  (Newspaper, glue, pasta, string, scraps from when you hemmed your pants... you name it!)

Need to clean out your closet?  Maximize the time as some kiddos are be perfect helpers.  (And they like feeling useful!)  The littler ones will like playing dress up, too! 

If you're absolutely just "not feeling it" and honestly just want to send the kids home, try the library.  Kids love books, and most children's departments have fun playhouses, toy tables, etc.

Most of all, Aunties, when the kids go home, give them a big hug and kiss and remind them how much you love them.  They're pretty forgiving and likely won't hold today against ya.  Just don't forget to regroup.  Your little ones need their Auntie!

Until next time,
Miss Amanda