Role of Aunts in Children's Lives

Aunts and the Crucial Role They Play in Tots' Lives

August 27, 2010

Maybe it's a good thing that you can't pick your family! Moms and dads may serve as primary caregivers when it comes to raising tots, but it is the added guidance and perspective of extended family members that can help shape the lil ones into well-rounded people when they grow up.

In their new book, Aunting, Doctors Laura Ellingson and Patricia Sotirin contend that aunts are not receiving the respect they deserve for the role they play in a child's development. Whether it is the kooky aunt with the funny clothes who always seems to have a treat in her pocket or the one who decides to forgo children to trail blaze her way to the top of her field, the women all play a crucial part in their family's lives.

How important a role do aunts and uncles play in your kids' lives?

4 Comments

2 years 36 weeks

I cherish the relatonship with my two nieces and two nephews so much! Earlier this summer, my littlest niece (she's 14) suggested I write a blog, and she even named it for me - "The Do's & Don'ts of Aunting" - she wanted me to tell all of our fun stories of our adventures together. Can't wait to read this book! http://auntblog.com/

amber512 2 years 38 weeks

I had an aunt that would call me Niece Amber if I ever called her Aunt ____ because she wanted to be called by her first name. I say it is all about what the person prefers to be called. Going against what they want would be the disrespectful thing to do. I am an aunt to four precious little ones and I hope I'll always have great relatonships with them even though we aren't related by blood.

lauren 2 years 38 weeks

I really want to read this! My niece is nearly two and I absolutely adore her! I have a great relationship with all of my aunts too and hope to develop the same relationship with her. happsmjc, I still use the word aunt for all of mine!

Happsmjc 2 years 38 weeks

This is interesting! My aunts are like mothers to me (similar to my uncles/cousins/etc). I am so close with them, so I have never taken their relationship for granted. However, in college I saw my friends not use the word "Aunt _____", I thought that was weird and disrespectful. Now, kids I used to Nanny for do the same. They just call their aunts by their first name. I feel like it is such a sign of disrespect and for some reason bothers me SO MUCH! Doesn't happen in my family, but I see it happening all over!

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