How Can I Be a Good Uncle?

Good for you for showing the maturity to realize that parents need help and little kids need role models. I imagine you will be very important to both children as they grow.

Here's what's really important to remember about 2 and 3 year olds: they don't play or interact all that much with others. They do a lot of what's called "parallel play" which means they sit on the floor next to another kid (whether 2 or 12 years old) and just do their own thing. That's where they are developmentally. So you can't expect a child that age to do a puzzle with your or play "Go Fish" (they don't know their numbers, can't hold the cards, and don't have the attention span). So if a child doesn't seem involved or seems detached, that's probably not related to anything you're doing wrong. You just have to be more patient!

So, yes, get down on the floor, and just play with some toys. Don't "teach" her how to do things, just do them. Put the different shaped blocks in the shape sorter, put the oversized puzzle pieces in their places, read a book out loud. Eventually, your niece will come over and join you. Don't make a big deal out of it - just turn the book so she can see it, or hand her a puzzle piece and say, "Do you want to put this one in?" Very low key, okay? If she turns around and heads over to her stuffed animals, it doesn't mean she doesn't like you.

The other thing you can do is try to understand that she's not going to be thrilled about this baby. This is competition for her, and it's a boring little crying/spitting up thing! Sometimes, 3 year olds regress and start acting very baby-like, and it's frustrating to see that. So, you can help by bringing your sister a clean diaper and saying, "Here, let me help!" Maybe you can hold the baby while your sister does things with the older child. Or, do the reverse: "Okay, sis, you feed Baby and I'll feed the big girl!" Then get your niece a piece of fruit or some cheese and crackers or whatever she is allowed to have. Maybe you can take your niece for a short walk in the stroller to get away from the crying and give your sister a break. A kid is often distracted by nature and people passing by, and forgets who's pushing the stroller. Even if she's crying to begin with, that doesn't mean she will stay that way. Sometimes you just have to ignore them and let them cry it out.

Your sister is learning how to juggle 2 kids, your niece is learning how to share Mom and Dad with a baby, and you're learning how to be a teen and a grown-up. Take it slowly.

Teens and toddlers generally don't have a lot in common but you can certainly read stories to her, and sing songs.
Get down on the floor and play with her on her level.
She's not quite at an age where she can play well with others yet - that comes in a few more years - but you can try rolling a soft nerf ball to her and see if you can get her to roll it back to you.
It will take patience and she won't get it right away - but learning is part of the fun.
You can also make a cardboard box fort for her - cut out windows, decorate it, etc.
Then you can read a story inside it using a flashlight to see with.
Toddlers have short attention spans - so don't get upset if she loses interest in what ever you are doing.
A lot of toddlers will enjoy it if you get on your hands and knees and let her ride you like a horse for awhile.

You are so sweet to be concerned about this at just 13! Right there that says you are a good uncle as well as a fine young man. Maybe a good way to bond with your 2 year old niece can be a movie day! Bring over a favorite movie of hers (or rent it) and a favorite snack of hers and just spend time together Or read to her or bring over new crayons and coloring books and do that together. Before you know it you are bonding and giving your sister a little break so she can rest a bit. Once baby #2 is 2 years old they can join too! She is still so young and soon she will be the older sibling...no more the "baby" and just keep that going and I'm certain she will love that time and attention! Good luck! And always stay sweet!

I think its great that you are trying to connect to your niece to help out your sister. Is there a park close by or does your sister have a swing set out back? I had my son at that age helping in the kitchen. We would make a cake or cookies. He would mix everything. Its a big mess but he had a great time. Play with what shes into. Finger painting is always fun.

She will get used to you. She may have a hard time adjusting to the new baby. Be patient and don't get frustrated.