2010 is the year, Auntie! You’ve already decided it’s time to lose those extra pounds you’ve been meaning to shed since 2008. Then there are those books that have been piling up. And don’t forget that scrapbook you’ve been meaning to put together since your niece was born. And now she’s got a little brother... and another one on the way!

But what about those older nieces and nephews of yours and their plans for 2010? How can you help them grow and develop just like you hope?

Here are some ideas for resolutions for big kids you may want to help them achieve this year – and you’ll see they might even help you achieve your own goals too, Auntie!

“I’ll cut down on soda and other sugary drinks.”

OK, so it’s tough to take them out for a budget meal without a huge cup of soda. But what about resolving to drink water instead? Even diet drinks can make us feel gassy and bloated. So plain H2O at dinner might help everyone flatten that tummy.

“I won’t gossip about other kids, including my own siblings and cousins.”

Kids follow the lead of their parents and adult influencers like you. If you talk about other family members behind their backs, the kids will think it’s ok to do the same. You stop, and they will too.

“I won’t bully other kids.”

Bullying has grown to be a major problem in schools across America as technology enables the bullying to travel faster and further via texts and social networks.  Make sure your nieces and nephews are not helping to spread the word about another child who may be the victim of bullying. And Auntie, don’t post those embarrassing photos of their mom from Girls Night Out she may be embarrassed to see in the morning. Better yet, keep your camera at home and promise yourself not to Twitter or post to Facebook when drinking!

“I’ll read more and spend less time in front of the TV,  playing video games and being online.”

Find out which books and book series your nieces and nephews enjoy, and make sure to indulge them in those books. You may even want to pick up the book too so that you can form your own little family book club. And while you’re at it, always have books around you so that the children know they are important to you and to development.

“I won’t spend money I don’t have.”

As aunts, we love to buy the stuff our nieces and nephews crave. Looking into their puppy-dog eyes, or hearing their ‘wanting’ over phone is enough to send us running to the mall. But perhaps a better way is to reward kids by having them earn it. Invite them to help you clean out grandma’s garage, visit a hospital with sick kids or achieve better grades by focusing on education. Each good deed earns them a limited amount of money to put toward the toy or electronics they want. That way, you can feel good about spending.

What are your new year’s resolutions, Auntie? And how will you get your nieces and nephews on board?