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What kind of Aunt or Uncle are you?

May 05, 2020

Mother’s Day is Sunday, so I want to send love to my mom and all the moms out there during this “pivotal time” as we all try to hold life together for our families. You are doing a great job!

I’m sending my mom a fun virtual gift from a website I recently became acquainted with a site called Cameo. I found a sports star she loves, Jerry Remy, from the Boston Red Sox, so he will be contacting her with a special Mother’s Day message.

And, the person who told me about Cameo is my daughter’s Aunt Guinnevere, which brings me to my next shout out—Aunties and Uncles. Around mother’s and father’s day we recognize our great moms and dads, but I think we should dedicate a special Auntie-Uncle day during the year as well! Like the first Sunday in August because August is typically sunny, and they add sunshine to our lives.

Aunts and Uncles (and honorary Aunts and Uncles) play important roles in children’s lives. So, I want to honor them this week too!

In an AARP article, The Unique Role of Aunts and Uncles, April 12, 2011, Amy Goyer articulately outlined key roles Aunties and Uncles play.

Which one are you?

Goyer wrote:

The "Cool" Adult. You have different life experiences than your nieces and nephews' parents, which makes you cool right off the bat. Free of the responsibility of the parenting role, you allow the kid in you to come out. When adults reflect back on their aunts and uncles, having fun with them is often among the top memories.
Confidant and Trusted Adviser. Kids often say they can talk to aunts and uncles about things they are uncomfortable talking to their parents about. You can add a different perspective, and they may be open to telling you things and listening to your advice when they really need it but don't want to talk to parents — if they can trust you.
Extra Provider. I hear a lot about aunts and uncles who provide "extras" for their nieces and nephews, such as an aunt who made doll clothes or provided spending money for a special trip; an uncle who paid for rock climbing lessons or bought a wedding dress. These extras can make nieces/nephews feel so special and can even shape their life experiences. You may also provide the extra finances to cover education, housing or important purchases for them.

Role Model.These days, more than ever, children are influenced by media and friends — not always positive role models. You give your nieces and nephews alternative examples of family, career, relationships, hobbies and values. You will teach them more by how you live than you ever could by talking to them.
Family Compadre. Because you have the same family — and you've known their parents all or most of your life — you might share their frustrations or understand their viewpoint more than anyone else does. Being familiar but somewhat outside the situation when conflicts with parents arise can be a plus. Kids may listen to you in a way they won't listen to their parents, and you may even be able to play a mediator or peacemaker role in the family.
Surrogate Parent. When mom and dad are busy or away, aunts and uncles can help fill the gap with extra attention, interest and affection, as well as practical help such as making meals, taking kids to appointments or helping with homework.
Cheerleader. You keep up with their activities and goals; triumphs and failures. You don't assume — you ask how you can support them and are prepared to follow through. When they are experiencing disapproval from others, you find something to love about them. You are their fan, and they know it.