How many times have you heard about how parents have the best job in the world? Fact is, they’re wrong. Being an uncle is actually the best, for about a million different reasons. Well, maybe it’s more accurate to say it’s the best for at least 6 reasons:
1. You don’t have to pretend burps and farts aren’t hilarious.
They are. Everyone knows they are, but parents have to be all serious because they don’t want their kids to develop “bad habits.” Whatever. Fart all you want, kid! Uncles will laugh right along with you.
2. You can send them back home at the end of the day.
Being able to wave goodbye, as you watch your niece or nephew getting ornery with their parents at the end of a long day of fun is pretty much the best feeling in the world. Let the parents deal with the tough moments.
3. You get to act like a kid.
Want to try some kind of crazy science experiment? Throw someone in the lake? Now you have the perfect excuse. That’s basically the definition of being an uncle.
4. You’re not responsible for disciplining them.
That’s not to say you can’t. It just means it’s not your job.
5. You get to be the confidante.
Often, being related but not too related (as in, not the mother or the father) gives you the privilege of hearing top secret information first, and giving advice that your niece or nephew may actually listen to, rather than scoff.
6. You can teach them some life lessons without getting side eye.
How many times did you roll your eyes when your parents tried to give you sage advice? Exactly. Being an uncle allows you to retain the ability to tell stories about the mistakes you made growing up and without losing credibility or respect.
Honestly, if you’re not sure about the whole parenting thing, being an uncle is kind of the best of all worlds. So if you’re lucky enough to be one, make sure you’re taking full advantage of all the benefits.
