I'm an aunt to 12 kids. Staying close to them as teenagers takes more effort than I expected.

The author has 12 nieces and nephews. Courtesy of Camilla Richardson I have five siblings, and I'm the aunt to 12 nieces and nephews. It felt easier to be close to them when they were younger. As some of them have gotten older, I've had to be more intentional about our relationships. Out of five siblings, I'm the only one without children, meaning I got to be the "fun aunt" who brought sweets, toys, games, and a heap of adoration for my 12 nieces and nephews. There's a favorite photo from t...