My brother-in-law is having a baby: how do I nominate myself for Offbeat Auntie of the Year?
My husband’s brother and his wife are having a baby! We are very excited as kids are great and we haven’t had any in the family for about, oh, 15 years now. Unfortunately we’re not super close, but we want to be — how do I initiate becoming an awesome offbeat auntie?
The disappearance of a family member is making me a better aunt
I have a feeling of protectiveness for Julie, and my other niece, Mandy, that’s really hard to completely express. I want to hug them tight and play with them and always be there for them. I probably would have always felt this way for them — it’s primal instinct, you know, for adults to always want to care for the children to whom they are related — but it’s especially important to me given my family history.
Are you a PANK (Professional Aunt, No Kids)?
The New York Times recently caught on to the concept of PANKs, which stands for Professional Aunt, No Kids. The article is written from the perspective of advertisers taking note that mothers aren’t the only ones shopping for children, but I appreciated the “It takes a village” perspective about the role that aunties play within many contempary families…
How can family members be extra helpful to a Mom recovering from a Cesarean section?
We just welcomed twins into our family! I’m thrilled to have a new niece and nephew, but my sister-in-law had a cesarean section and no one else in our family has ever experienced one. I’ve always helped and done what I can to help our family’s new moms with housework, pre-made meals, and doing whatever little things they need to have done if welcome — but I’m not sure if there’s something extra I could be doing in this case.
Living with a pregnant teen changes everything
We recently found out my 16-year-old sister is pregnant — and everyone’s world has been turned upside down. I’m only 22, and not sure if I’m ready to rock aunthood or would rather do my own thing.
An offbeat auntie Santa Monica outing
Ooooh we’ve received a little more photo magic via Two Bright Lights again! This set of photos is of photographer Ilene Squires‘s best friend and her niece and nephew. I love the idea of an auntie or uncle (or family friend!) having his or her own photo session with the kids — it’s something you don’t see a lot!
How can I talk to my tween sister about breasts and other body parts?
I’m not a mom, but I’m getting lots of practice while helping raise my nieces and cousins and by living with my twelve-year-old sister, Angela. Angela is on the cusp of puberty and doesn’t really have a parent to talk to — my mom sent her to live with us, and my dad isn’t much use for gender-specific troubles. I’m stepping up to the plate, but am being confronted with some sticky situations.
What should I bring when visiting a friend in the maternity ward?
Last weekend, when I got a text that it was go time and mom was being induced, I found myself excitedly asking, “What do I bring to the hospital?” I ended up taking Oreos for waiting family members and a tiny bouquet for mom — figuring they could throw it away instead of taking it home if hands were full of new child paraphernalia.