Being A Great Aunt

This is an introspective look at the role of an aunt, well not just an aunt...but a Great Aunt, in the eyes of the Great Aunt herself. I wanted to explore the role of an aunt a little further, so I did some research.
"Women are typically studied as daughters, sisters, mothers, or grandmothers. However, many, if not most, women are also aunts. In this study, we offer a preliminary exploration of the meaning of aunts as familial figures. We collected 70 nieces' and nephews' written accounts of their aunts. Thematic analysis of these accounts revealed nine themes, which were divided into two categories. The first category represented the role of the aunt as a teacher, role model, confidante, savvy peer, and second mother. The second category represented the practices of aunting: gifts/treats, maintaining family connections, encouragement, and nonengagement. Our analysis illuminates important aspects of aunts in family schema and kin keeping."- Laura L. Ellingson & Patricia J. Sotirin.
"The modern family system is truly being widened by research into the field of
extended family. Within this expansion, the role of aunt has immerged as an important, yet understudied relationship. Extant research on aunting has been limited to the perspective of strictly the nieces and nephews involved, creating a one-sided representation of the aunt relationship. The current study examines the perspectives of both the aunt and niece, shedding light on the more mutually dependant nature of the relationship. Both aunt and niece make decisions that influence the relationship and together, these mutual choices help shape this unique family dyad. The aunting relationship has the potential to escape the constraints of both the parent and friend roles to develop a unique form of its own."-Mary Louise Berry M.A.
There have been numerous studies completed studying the roles an aunt has in a family. Here I am sitting on the bench in my niece and nephews back yard on Mothers Day 2008, holding my two great nieces Remy and Amelie. I still have yet to hold my great nephew on my lap too. I have not been a great aunt for very long, but so far I think it is pretty amazing that I can "escape the constraints" and "develop a role that is a unique form of its own." I am excited about this role. How could I not be? This is an educational experience, and one that evolves with time. I will treasure the moments of "aunting". I will cherish my role as an aunt with honor and respect providing love, knowledge, guidance, leadership, caring, nurturing, and of course a lot of fun!
Love and Truly, Great Aunt Elizabeth