So you’re at that period where your friends are all getting married and having children, and here you are, the closest thing to a being parent you have is keeping your succulents alive. Though it’s easy to feel left out, you shouldn’t. Just because motherhood isn’t in your plans right now—or ever—doesn’t mean you’re less of a person. Being an aunt is still a stellar title. In fact, being an aunt can be a big cause for celebration.
We list some of the reasons why:
Pressure’s off
While it’s true that bringing a new life into this world is considered one of the wonders of motherhood, there’s no denying that the pressure of knowing you’re responsible for the upbringing of one or more lives is intense, to say the least. As the aunt, you will be saved from having sudden panic attacks in the middle of the night, thinking you’re not really sure what you’re doing. You can sleep peacefully without having to wonder if you’re raising a saint or a douchebag.
Freedom!
As an aunt, you get plenty of time to focus on yourself and figure out what you want. You’re free to travel or spend the night out with your friends and not have to come back home until noon, without feeling guilty or worrying about who will babysit the kids, or constantly worrying if the kids are okay. In fact you get to travel for as far and as long as you want, and when you come home with gifts and souvenirs for your nieces or nephews, you still come out as their favorite thoughtful auntie.
Confidante
There are some subjects kids feel iffy about talking with their moms, like relationships, their mischievous adventures, or their most embarrassing mistakes. As the aunt, your niece or nephew will most probably go to you to talk about these things and seek for your advice. And because you’re the cool aunt, you can tell them about similar naughty adventures you had when you were young—or maybe even their mom’s embarrassing adventures. They’ll love you for it!
Good Parts
Being a mom is a 24-hour job. Though helping out is greatly appreciated, being an aunt means you don’t actually need to be there for the long sleepless nights, changing diapers, and all the other stressful and dirty jobs that come with babies. And when your niece and nephews become teens, the parents get to see the cold, rebellious side, while they turn to you to have fun or talk when they feel restricted at home.
Less Bills
Having kids means forever being conscious about your finances, now that a lot of people are dependent on you. Moms make the ultimate sacrifices to prioritize their kids. Good news for you though, ‘cause that means you still have the luxury to spend on that gorgeous but ridiculously-priced dress you just have to have. Plus, that extra money you don’t spend on milk or education goes to spoiling your niece and nephews instead. No wonder they want to hang out with you all the time.
Art by Marian Hukom
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