Every year, my daughter makes the same request for her birthday and Christmas — she wants a sister. In fact, she asks for a sister for every holiday that involves gifts. This tradition began when she was just three years old, and now, as she approaches her twelfth birthday, the wish remains.
I’ve explained several times that adding another child to our family isn’t feasible. My days of having babies are behind me, and honestly, who knows if she’d end up with another brother? “I don’t care,” she insists. “I’ll just take a baby, any kind!” Each time, I’m grateful to remind her that she has a lovely bunch of cousins to play with instead.
She has six cousins living within a ten-mile radius, another one about thirty minutes away, and two more who fly in from across the country every summer for a few weeks. We always ensure that they spend quality time together during those visits, and it brings such joy to all of them.
From my perspective, having a close-knit group of cousins is even better than having an extra sibling. My sisters and I can swap kids without the constant burden of parenting, allowing the older ones to entertain the younger ones, keeping everyone content.
Growing up, I didn’t experience the closeness of cousins. I had siblings, but we didn’t interact much with our extended family. As an adult, I still feel a void in my connection with my cousins, and I often wish I had that bond that my children are cultivating with theirs. Witnessing their relationships grow is a treasure for my sisters and me. There’s something incredibly special about sharing our children with loved ones we cherish.
Last Saturday, my youngest sister brought over her three kids, and we indulged in delicious food while igniting 120 sparklers. We let the kids stay up too late, consume too much sugar, and run wild — it was pure bliss. Every moment spent together creates lasting memories, and we don’t have to wait for special occasions to gather.
Having my kids grow up with their cousins is a true blessing. It provides them with the chance to create meaningful experiences with those who understand our family dynamics and share in our quirks. Plus, the infrequent gatherings help prevent the bickering that can occur between siblings. Their excitement when they reunite gives the adults precious time to connect without the chaos of everyday squabbles.
My kids and their cousins are more than just friends; their bond runs deeper. They not only share family history but also display similar mannerisms and adorable traits. Sometimes, I’m taken aback by how alike they are, and it fills my heart with joy.
Cousins have a unique way of working together, knowing their parents’ soft spots. They quickly learn that if they band together, they can often persuade adults to let them have a bit more freedom than they would on their own. While that can be frustrating at times, it also highlights their comfort and confidence with each other.
I must admit, I’d rather host my niece or nephew overnight than one of my kids’ friends. They’re already familiar with my boundaries, so I don’t have to pretend to be on my best behavior if they start getting too rowdy. They understand that Aunt Emily prefers a bit of quiet and expects them to tidy up, which makes it all feel very liberating.
This fall, my daughter’s wish is about to (kind of) come true. My sister is expecting a baby girl, and we can hardly wait to welcome her. My daughter has no idea how much love and companionship await her from the seven eager cousins who are excitedly anticipating her arrival. She will certainly never lack for affection or friendship.
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Summary:
Growing up with cousins is a cherished experience that fosters deep connections among family members. These relationships are filled with joy, shared memories, and mutual understanding, allowing children to engage and bond in ways that go beyond typical friendships. As families gather and create lasting moments together, the importance of these familial ties only grows stronger.