Although there is a time and place for Traditional conversation therapyMy favorite way to decompress does not require a meeting, Copay or extremely soft sofa. Everything that is necessary: my two nephews. Let me explain what I like to call “nephew therapy.”
Nephew therapy is the most effective way I relieve anxiety And stress. Simple terms is what I use to describe the time I spend on spending time with my nephews. Sometimes it can mean dance to “that releases the dogs” and talks about Spider-Man. Other times it is to build fast and looking for worms. The activity itself does not matter, but the time I spend with them does.
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Tamar Z. KahanePsyd, is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Kahane CentrumA mental health center that offers psychological and neuropsychological services.
Unlike traditional self-care methods that can sometimes feel compelled for me- journalThe Deep breathing exercisespretend actually enjoy meditation – Easy therapy is simple. It is difficult to spiral over work stress when Henry, my nephew from toddlers, demands that I hunt him around the garden. And when I read a book to my other nephew, Zachary, I can think more about the pictures he is pointing to and less about harmful effects of the Trump Presidency.
In other words, the time spent with my nephews simply gets me out of my own head and plants me in the present – a place that I can’t often get to on my own.
However, this type of relationship differs from the relationships I would have with my own children. With my nephews I can be around them on my own terms, like when they are sweet and playful – not ornery and tired. As aunt, I do not have to deal with the rage or discipline or sleepless nights. I am responsible for knowing that I have to prioritize their security when I am with them, but I can also give that responsibility as soon as my sister shows up. (A luxurious parents must not have it.)
That’s what makes nephew therapy so special – it’s totally fun with none of the existential weight of parenting. I get to be the cool aunt that says “yes” to more cheez-its and “no” to change of diapers. My only job is to play, which can be a “wonderful antidote to anxiety and stress,” says clinical psychologist Tamar Z. Kahane. “Being around children lets you connect to your inner child and keeps you young, active and creative,” she adds. I have to agree.
For you, it may not be “nephew therapy”-it may be “niece therapy” or “nibling therapy” or “non-mid-own therapy.” But no matter what you call it, I promise, the feeling is the same: there is something undeniably healing when it comes to spending time with children who see the world as a place for endless fun.
Of course, I know that my nephews will not always be so small. One day they will grow out their dinosaur obsession and stop thinking of calling their mother “cock” is the most fun ever. But at the moment my time in nephew therapy is a reminder that life does not always have to be so serious. Sometimes the best way to restore is to chase a child around the living room or get a little too invested in a walk where we “listen to werewolves.” At the end of the day, nephew therapy is the ultimate – and simplest – escape.
Taylor Andrews (She/her) is Balance Editor on PS, specializing in subjects relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and story. Before she came to PS 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
