Jeff Cutler is a social media trainer and professional speaker on communications and marketing for dozens of organizations worldwide. He writes the occasional Uncling column for Savvy Auntie and has seven nieces and nephews of his own. Jeff can be reached via Twitter @jeffcutler.

Summer is when you most likely get to spend extra time with your nieces and nephews. They're off from school; their parents need a break; and you get to revel in being the greatest uncle that ever lived.

But you better not screw it up!

One of the biggest challenges is the cat-herding machinations that you must undertake when getting the kids ready to go with you anywhere. Today, I'm going to share a three-item checklist on what might help you prep for a fun and safe trip with your nieces and nephews this summer.

1. Car Seats and Car

While it might seem obvious, not all vehicles are perfect for carting around little ones. Your summer MGB isn't the ideal car to safely transport young children, so you might need to borrow the family car from your sister or brother. Further, learn how to attach and work car seats for times that your own car is the only option. If you don't cover this step, your trip could be over before it starts.

2. Understand Expectations

Before you leave for the beach, amusement park, zoo, or whatever destination you've chosen, have a talk with your nieces and nephews. Unlike adults, kids will gladly share exactly what they hope to see and do. If you find out that they want to see an elephant and a lion, then you can focus on those areas of the zoo instead of traipsing around through bird houses and monkey cages. Little legs and feet get tired quickly, so have a mental checklist of what's important to them. If they want to make a sand castle at the beach, make sure you choose a beach with sand. These sound like no-brainers, but after you've paid for parking and got the car unloaded is the wrong time to discover you're at a beach that's primarily rocks – or that you've gone to the zoo without an elephant.

3. Make Time for Food

Nothing turns a young child's mood more quickly than hunger. Do a bit of research to make sure you have the comfort foods specific to each of your nieces and nephews. While one might love munching on carrots, the other might only eat jelly sandwiches. Pack properly to fend off any chance of irritability. Also, nieces and nephews who are properly fed will last longer walking around or doing different activities – so, you won't have to cut your day short.

That's about it in a nutshell, but I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the call of nature. Kids are going to have to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, it's better to manage this by either taking only the boys on an excursion or only the girls. Or bring along a friend for the day so that one of you can watch a niece or nephew while you take the other to the bathroom.

As evidenced by my first item, safety is the first concern; so, you definitely don't want to leave any of your loved ones alone...ever. Summer is meant to be fun; but plan well, and be safe. That's what proper uncling is all about.

Photo: photostock
Published: June 11, 2012