Three things I love about being a childfree auntie
Hi friends,
How are you doing? I wasn’t planning on writing today, but I have some time to kill before a hair appointment and realised I had something on my mind I was interested to explore.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve spent time with several little ones, including both nieces (one on my side, one on Dan’s) and friends' kids, and there have been little moments that have made me feel very grateful for the small role I’m getting to play in their lives.
I’ll be honest – I do have another Substack piece to share, a 2am anxiety spiral (fun!), but I’m not feeling quite ready to share that yet so will give it some time to breathe. Instead I want to share something that makes me smile, so here are a few things I love about being a childfree auntie…
1. Having the capacity to support the carers
I’m learning that this can mean different things depending on the situation. It might be offering a parent/carer a place to crash so they can get a parenting break and let me be the one to make them breakfast. It might be taking their dog out for a walk while they get dinner ready for the little one. It might be taking their little one to the park for a couple of hours so they can work on a creative project. It might be jumping into play mode, so the parent can continue a conversation.
Small things, but things I love being able to do.
2. Imparting teeny tiny snippets of wisdom
I’m no parent-figure to any of the children in my life, but when the opportunity arises I do enjoy sharing a nugget of a lesson. Recently my niece poked my belly and told me it was squishy and I loved being able to smile and say to her, “It feels nice and soft doesn’t it? All bodies are different, isn’t that cool?”.
Knowing I share similar values to the parents in my life helps me feel more comfortable with this, and while I’m cautious not to cross any boundaries, I really like the idea that I can help reinforce the incredible life lessons being taught.
3. Small moments of care
My niece absent-mindedly reached for my hand on a car journey recently, as she held it she smiled at me and I nearly melted into a puddle. These small moments of care mean the world, and they can be truly tiny.
Whether it’s holding their hand on a car journey, tying up a shoelace or picking up a dropped toy – being one of the adults in their lives to help them feels pretty wonderful.
Some people may think that being surrounded by cute kids would make me want one of my own, but, if anything, it cements my decision.
Knowing I have, and will continue to have, children in my life without having to become a mother myself makes me feel incredibly content. I’m finding my way with this role of childfree auntie and so far, I’m loving it.
Until next time, take care.
Kat x