How To: Be The Cool Uncle (At Christmas)

This Christmas, take your first step toward changing a child’s life forever. Don’t just donate money to some faceless cause; become a child’s cool uncle. Even if you don’t have any nephews or nieces, find friends or co-workers with kids and be their "cool uncle." There's no limit to how many you can help, but every kid should have a cool uncle. The world would be so much better if every teen learned to taste whisky without gagging or not to bring their debit card to Stringfellows.

How much better would young relationships be if guys knew that “loving” doesn’t mean “smothering?” Or if young girls knew that guys sometimes “love you” only for one night? These are all things the cool uncle teaches. While everyone has a story of the teacher who made a difference in their lives, those with stories of "cool uncles" are forever in their debt.

Buy the irrational present

It doesn’t have to be the most expensive video game or remote-controlled car, it just has to be something their parents would never buy because they can’t justify it. It may be the £40 pair of princess shoes for a niece or the loudest laser gun for a nephew. Just ask yourself two questions: Does this gift completely lack any educational value? And will the parents hate it? If the answer is yes to both, you’re well on your way to being the cool uncle at Christmas.

Don’t talk to them like children

Children are smarter than most adults give them credit. They know when you’re talking down to them or hiding something. While you don’t have to start telling your most obnoxious drinking stories, don’t assume they only want to talk about puppies. Speak to them as if they’re on your level. Listen to what they say, and take them seriously. Be age appropriate, but don’t treat them like subhumans.

Make time just for them

After they open presents, take time away from the Eastenders omnibus to help program their new iPhone or check out their G.I. Joe collection. If you’re challenging them with their new Wii game, don’t just let them win. Feel free to taunt them good-naturedly. Even if they cry, they’ll respect you more later on. Not enough adults teach children how to bust each others’ balls, so they have to learn it from other kids. Clueless verbal sparring is like listening to puppies drowning.

We have more tips on how to be the cool uncle (at Christmas) coming right up... Next Page >>