One of the best bonding moments I ever had with my nephew started with a blank canvas, a set of paints, and a completely unrealistic expectation that we’d stay clean.
It was supposed to be simple: paint a few happy little trees, maybe a sunset—something fun and calm we could hang on the fridge. I even laid out a drop cloth. I was prepared. (Famous last words.)
We started strong. My nephew dipped his brush into the blue paint, then looked up at me and asked, “Can I use my fingers instead?” And before I could answer, both hands were in. Our peaceful painting session instantly became one of those wonderfully messy crafts with kids you never forget.
There were handprints on the paper, his cheeks, the dog (who had wandered over to supervise), and on my once-white t-shirt. We added more colors. Then glitter. Then some googly eyes that, to this day, I still don’t understand the purpose of—but hey, we were in a creative flow.
At one point, I caught a glimpse of us in the reflection of the window—two colorful disasters laughing uncontrollably, with the happiest kind of chaos around us. The painting? Totally unrecognizable. But the moment? Absolutely perfect.
Later, as we wiped glitter off the dog and turned our “cleanup” into a sudsy splash battle, my nephew looked up and said, “This was the best day ever.” That’s when it hit me: this is what aunt and nephew bonding is all about.
I think sometimes we get caught up in wanting everything to go smoothly. We want crafts to look Pinterest-worthy. We want snack time to end in neatly decorated cookies. We want bedtime to feel like a cozy movie scene.
But the truth is, the best real-life parenting moments—and the ones we remember as aunts and uncles—are made in the middle of the mess. In the lopsided cupcakes. In the bedtime giggles that go on way too long. In the paint-covered afternoons where the end result doesn’t matter, because the love did.
At Bailey and Beau Co, we believe these are the moments that matter. That’s why we created the Bonds & Beyond space—a blog for aunts, uncles, and loved ones who are figuring it out as they go, just like the rest of us. Come for the ideas, stay for the heartfelt honesty.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration on what to wear during your next paint-splattered adventure or cozy reading night, explore our Everyday Wear collection for comfy, adventure-ready outfits that celebrate connection.
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Now it’s your turn.
Tell us about your own “hot mess win.
What beautifully chaotic moment turned into one of your favorite stories?
Whether your pancakes flopped or your slime bubbled over, share your story in the comments—we’re all about making memories with kids, even (especially) when things don’t go as planned.