Each year as Mother's Day approaches, I know that the time has come for random men on the streets of New York City to assume that I have children and wish me a happy Mother’s Day. I have always thought of sassy ways to respond to them back. This year, I had a different feeling about this altogether; and I think it is because I have fully embraced my Auntie status in a whole new way. While I may not have given birth to a child, I consider being Aunt an honor; there are just as many pros and cons in it like motherhood. Here are some tips on celebrating being a Savvy Auntie:

Fully claim your Auntie status.

Next time someone asks if you have kids or says that you would make a great mom, claim your Auntie status. Let them know that you have a baby by proxy because you are an Aunt. Whip out those pictures to show off those cutie pies in your life. You know how parents go on and on about their kids; feel free to do the same with your Aunt stories. We also have our own funny kid stories to share.

Be grateful.

Being an Auntie is something to be excited about because that beautiful little girl or bouncing baby boy is in your life. Children are life changing; they give insight to the world in exciting and fun new ways every day. Give it up for gratitude that you get to be a part of your niece’s or nephew’s life journey and get to shape who they become.

Spend more time with your niece or nephew.

You can always make play dates with your niece or nephew for quality time with them. It will be special times that they will always remember. To this day, my nephew talks about the time I kept him for a week when we was 5 years old. He remembers it like it was yesterday. If you happen to live in a different city, plan Skype dates with them after they have accomplished something at school or won a softball game. You can even use Google+ Hangouts so that you can share things with them, such as videos, documents, etc. You will be the cool Auntie who beams in for the memorable moments.

Embrace your unknown.

This may be the hardest part of being an Aunt if you are in the limbo space of maybe wanting to have children yourself, you can’t have children, or you don’t know if you want to have children. Know that whatever you are feeling is okay. There are so many mixed messages, telling women what we should do when it comes to having kids that we often feel pressured to do things by society’s standards. Remember that you have choices and have a right to what makes you happy. I have made the choice that I do not want to physically have a child, as much as I love children. I do however want a child(ren) in my life. With my awesome nephew and the fact that I intentionally date men who are already fathers, this is how I have children. On the flip side of that, I know a woman who gave birth at 48 years old to a very healthy baby.

Some things are unknown for the future, so try to stay present for the little one that you have in your life right now. The most important thing to remember is that you are leaving an impact in your niece’s or nephew’s life, which is a beautiful thing.

Photo: photostock
Published: June 11, 2012