Our Rich Aunties Are More Than an Aesthetic—They're the Glue In Our Families

[Anonymous]

https://www.parents.com/rich-aunties-are-more-than-an-aesthetic-8405103

In a world that values women based on what they choose to do with their wombs, the aunties of our community are an under-appreciated resource, mostly because parents are tired. No matter how well-planned children are, the work of raising, housing, clothing and feeding them sucks up a lot of energy. As helpful as it is to have friendships with other moms, the women with the most capacity and patience with my son have typically been child-free women who aren’t stretched thin or shackled to a relentless schedule.

Single black women, do not get caught up in this. You will end up middle aged, a little more tired than you used to me in your 20s and 30s, and not in the mood to mentor, and yes financially support, your now adult nieces and/or nephews who upbringing you really didn’t influence as a parent wood and who are really doing their own things now. It is the worst of both worlds, a situation out of your control and influence that you need to support and care for--at a time when you want to chill out a little bit and focus on planning for getting older, travel, etc.

[Anonymous]

Okay, but I know my nieces are being raised with tons of issues by their mentally ill mom. I want to be there for them when they inevitably hit a wall in their 20s.

[Anonymous]

What? The whole point of being an auntie is that you are not obligated to provide that support unless you want to. And if you want to, it is not a trap.

[Anonymous]

OP's writing quality is certainly well matched to the opinion expressed.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been the childless auntie and now my daughter has and benefits from childless aunties and they’re a resource like no other!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.parents.com/rich-aunties-are-more-than-an-aesthetic-8405103

In a world that values women based on what they choose to do with their wombs, the aunties of our community are an under-appreciated resource, mostly because parents are tired. No matter how well-planned children are, the work of raising, housing, clothing and feeding them sucks up a lot of energy. As helpful as it is to have friendships with other moms, the women with the most capacity and patience with my son have typically been child-free women who aren’t stretched thin or shackled to a relentless schedule.

Single black women, do not get caught up in this. You will end up middle aged, a little more tired than you used to me in your 20s and 30s, and not in the mood to mentor, and yes financially support, your now adult nieces and/or nephews who upbringing you really didn’t influence as a parent wood and who are really doing their own things now. It is the worst of both worlds, a situation out of your control and influence that you need to support and care for--at a time when you want to chill out a little bit and focus on planning for getting older, travel, etc.

With all of the issues that plague the black community, single black aunts most certainly should get involved and provide all the support they can. Single uncles as well.

[Anonymous]

What does being black have to do with this? Are black women not allowed to want to be CFBC?

[Anonymous]

My kid has a childless uncle and he's incredibly useless, so there's that.

[Anonymous]

Find the rich lady to raise your kids for you.

[Anonymous]

Who are these rich childless aunties that want to do free childcare? Haven't meant one yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who are these rich childless aunties that want to do free childcare? Haven't meant one yet.

They don’t which is why you have not met them. They are living their best life!

[Anonymous]

??? Why does the article, AND OP, generalize so much? My aunts with kids were the most present in my life, my childless aunts, not so much. And it had nothing to do with their wealthy.

Weird take, OP.

[Anonymous]

My teen's rich auntie (his only aunt) is a worthless aunt. Not mean or bad, just not present or curious in the least. Which is her right. Used to bother me. Now it is what it is. I predict they'll have a nice adult relationship and she just doesn't do kids at all. I am glad I didn't try to complain or poison when he was small so that they can have an adult relationship if they both want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does being black have to do with this? Are black women not allowed to want to be CFBC?

There is a unique African American (not "people of color", not immigrant, not "African", but black American, we have our own unique culture, with the good and bad) dynamic of single parent households (mom with kids and dad is not around) or women choosing not to have spouse or kids because choices out there are minimal and not worth the trouble. The childless aunt can be the latter, at first dotes on kids (including financially) of single sibling, but may after a while begin to feel like it is a slog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who are these rich childless aunties that want to do free childcare? Haven't meant one yet.

I wanted to do free childcare occasionally, buty BIL and SIL didn't want it. I peaced out.