The value of aunthood is not always appreciated when it comes to parenthood. And the words used in this initial subject are a reflection of that. From an African perspective, parenthood goes beyond fatherhood and motherhood, and aunthood can also be considered. As a joyful member of the aunt squad, I have chosen to celebrate myself.

I have siblings who are older than me, and I was a child when I became an aunt for the first time. With Some of my nephews and nieces, I share less than 10 years of age gap and being their aunt is quite interesting. But a few years ago, I became an aunt again. I was already old enough to be a mother by the time my last niece was born. So, things are significantly different for the first time.
According to a saying, « being an aunt means enjoying the pleasures of motherhood without the burdens« . I haven’t had the opportunity to confirm the veracity of this adage: I am a responsible aunt (laughter).

My niece and I share a special affinity and relationship. We certainly share that close bond because i gave up my job to look after her when my sister’s maternity leave ended. I watch her grow up and I think she’s fantastic little ball of light who is asserting her character.

Being a responsible aunt comes with its own set of questions. As Beatrice Hitchman said in her article The Meaning of Aunthood published in February 2022: « the arrival of my niece, as beautiful an event as it was possible to witness, provoked questions. Undeniably the gift of aunthood, made us revisit our choices about having children of our own—whatever that might come to mean.Being an aunt without children can be a tough task, too.

The aunt with no kids

I happen to be an aunt who doesn’t have any children. In an article published by the BBC in 2021 entitled Aunt with no kids’: The women redefining family roles, Experts say « that it’s time we recognised aunthood for the rewarding, beneficial or even transgressive role it can be ».

I don’t share the view that being an aunt is equivalent to being a second mother. Motherhood is something else entirely. Moreover, I share Grace LEUENBERGER’s opinion who don’t view aunthood as “mom-training,” AKA, a preparatory experience to get ready for the “real thing.”

At the end of the day, you must choose which aunthood is best for you. The idea of joining the team of Rich aunties, as they say in Africa, was very appealing to me a few years ago. They have a special statusin family and can even be the Glue In a Family.

I am yet to make a decision, but I am thankful for the joys and challenges of aunthood. And I embrace the adventure that it can bring. A status that we rarely choose by the way (laughs).

PS: Sorry in adavnce for the mistake, i’m an african who speak french and i still need to improve my writing skills in english.