If you have nephews, it is quite possible that your phone is full of pictures of them, especially if they are small. After all, aunts love to pamper and show off their nephews to everyone!
The bonds that are created between uncles and their nephews are very special, as they are mature and mature, but at the same time can connect very well with the child universe. Here are some of the reasons why this relationship is so important to children:
1. They even look like parents, but with a different view
Uncles are much younger than their grandparents and are very similar in age to their nephews' parents. In the eyes of a child, the result is a responsible adult like his father and mother, but at the same time more understanding.
These characteristics allow bonds of complicity and sincerity to be created between uncles and nephews, even if children have a good relationship with their parents.
2. There is a relationship of trust and responsibility.
In general, uncles and aunts have less exaggerated reactions than parents when children tell them about pranks or even when the first crushes begin to appear. Thus, children feel more comfortable with their uncles to talk about certain topics, whether they are good or bad experiences.
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At the same time, uncles and aunts remain part of the family and care as much as their parents about their children's welfare. If there is a situation that threatens the safety of their nephews, uncles are still responsible adults who will know how to act.
3. Uncles and aunts are the perfect balance between protecting and allowing
The relationship between uncles and nephews is more relaxed than between parents and children for an obvious reason: uncles have no obligation to raise and educate. That way they can be more permissive and make the joy of children who want to eat dessert before lunch, for example.
At the same time, uncles and aunts are grown people and are seen as authority figures by children. Thus, when uncles deny any request that may be harmful in any way, children often understand and respect.
4. Uncles and aunts have the best stories about their parents' past
Maybe your mom will never tell you about the day she jumped out the window to walk her boyfriend, but your aunt will tell you and still laugh! Because they are primarily responsible for raising children, parents sometimes feel the need to be serious enough to avoid “setting a bad example”.
Aunts and uncles, on the other hand, may give themselves the right to tell funny and not very complimentary stories, including about their nephews' parents. This is not to say that uncles will break important family rules, but rather that they are much more flexible.
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5. They know the whole family context of their brothers and nephews.
Aunts and uncles are the best people to remember family history. After all, they not only know their nephews from birth, but also know their mother or father from an early age.
This gives uncles and aunts a broader view of the parent-child relationship, allowing them to act as excellent mediators when intergenerational conflict arises.
6. Uncles Are Unconditional Friends For Life
Of course there are cases of friendships that last a lifetime, but it is somewhat rare to keep the same friends from childhood to adulthood. As time goes on, we often realize that the little friend in kindergarten has nothing to do with our present moment.
With uncles and aunts, the friendship relationship is much longer lasting. They know how to be parents and friends on occasion, and they keep track of our changes throughout life. When nephews are little, uncles and aunts are great for playing, taking to the park, eating ice cream, giving the best gifts, and sharing children's adventures.
Then, as nephews grow, uncles and aunts are the best people to advise on new situations and share their experiences. They represent a balance between the maturity of those who have been through it and the understanding of those who know that the problem is part of development.
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In short, uncles and aunts are the perfect blend of responsibility for the welfare of their nephews with the freedom to break some rules from time to time. They are a source of love and security that extends beyond the parents, increasing the circle of protection around the child.
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