Being the fun aunt is easy. Becoming an aunt they confide in and connect with takes more.

The author (left) plans one-on-one outings with her nieces and nephew.

Here she's seen enjoying Wollman Rink with one of her nieces.

Courtesy of Emily Cappiello.

Of course I'm a fun aunt, but I've figured out a way to be so much more to my nieces and nephew.

Spending meaningful one-on-one time with each of them has deepened our relationships.

My "Auntie Emily Days" let each child enjoy personalized adventures based on their unique interests.

You know those TikToks about the childless, traveling aunt ? The one who's somehow always at an airport, has a suspicious amount of money, occasionally shows up with gifts she definitely didn't need to buy (while carrying yet another new designer purse ), and is never quite sure what time zone she's in? Yep, that's me.

For years, I happily embraced the stereotype .

I'd swoop in for birthdays and holidays, always say yes to dessert (and extra dessert), create a little chaos, then head back to my own wonderfully independent life.

I assumed I understood the assignment.

Bring the snacks.

Buy the birthday presents .

Show up to holidays with something fun tucked under my arm.

Be loud, be silly, make them laugh, then hand them back to their parents when the day was over.