When I was eighteen, my sister had her first child, Isaac. It was an exciting time for my close-knit family as he was the first nephew/grandson/child/what-have-you. Two short years later, Isaac got a sister, Naomi, and our family became even happier. So, though I’ve only been known as “Auntie” for three (and a half, almost four, good gracious!) years, they have undoubtedly been some of the happiest for just that reason.
Watching these beautiful, wonderful kids start to grow up has given me such joy in my life that I had never known previously. I have decided that it has been one of the best things to have happened to me, and here’s why.
The perks to being an auntie:
- As a young, single woman of 22, I have no intention of having my own kids any time soon. Being an auntie means that I can reap the benefits of having kids around, i.e. spoiling them, receiving and giving copious amounts of love, giggling at little misunderstandings, witnessing a beautiful awe for life that goes unmatched, and the list goes on. However, I do not have to worry about the struggles that come with raising children, such as financial stability and general preservation of life.
- As long as you use a silly voice or make a funny face, anything you say is HILARIOUS to a toddler.
- Making them laugh is one of best feelings in the world.
- You get to watch Blue’s Clues (and other important shows) again while having the solid excuse of babysitting and/or spending quality time together.
- Toys nowadays are way cooler than the blocks we used to play with.
- If you can explain something to them, you magically become the smartest person in the world.
- When they pretend to talk to someone on their parents’ cell phones, they explain that they had to call you.
- Even when you live far away (which is heartbreaking), they just get that much more excited every time they see you.
- The way their faces light up when they correctly identify you on the computer screen over video chat.
- There’s nothing like the child’s voice to send a grandparent running from the other room to say hello.
- You get to sing songs called “Slippery Fish” and “Hot Dog” while doing all the hand motions from memory without a hint of irony or shame.
- One day, they might come to you for advice on something when they’re not completely comfortable talking to their parents. Eat your heart out, sibling rivalry.
- When they’re teenagers, you’ll have nothing but pure humiliation ammunition (not that you’d take advantage of such a thing, of course).
- If you play your cards right, you can be the cool aunt whose house they love going to, because she has a pool.* (*Note: You’ll have to have a pool.)
- Until you have kids of your own, you will never experience such a pure, unadulterated love.
Parenthood isn’t for everyone. I think we can all agree on that, and that’s fine. But I have yet to find a joy to match that of being an auntie. I love knowing this feeling of completion with the two I have already, and I look forward to the days when I get to welcome even more. I’d have fifty if I could, though for the sake of my two siblings, I will spare them from that wish. So, be it by blood or unending friendship, I would 100% recommend this to everyone. May you all know the happiness of being called “Auntie.” [x]