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To All the Wonderful Aunts: Cheers to You!
by Jamie Collins
Updated: July 25, 2016
Originally Published: July 25, 2016
National Aunts Day celebrates those remarkable women who, while not mothers themselves, embrace a unique role in nurturing and caring for our children. Whether they are family by blood or friends who have become family, every child has at least one auntie who loves them as if they were her own. This day serves as an opportunity to express our gratitude for the significant contributions they make to our lives and our kids’ lives. In 2009, Lisa Thompson, also known as SavvyAuntie, designated the fourth Sunday in July as National Aunts Day, a time to honor these women who play such vital roles in our children’s lives. Thompson refers to them as Professional Aunts, No Kids or “PANKs”.
Although the fourth Sunday in July was yesterday, it’s easy to overlook this occasion, especially with the chaos of summer and the absence of reminders flooding our inboxes like they do for Father’s Day. However, we know you’ll forgive us for our forgetfulness. That’s just part of what makes aunties so special.
When you’re on the verge of breaking the Frozen DVD in half because you can’t bear to hear “Let It Go” one more time, it’s your auntie who swoops in to save the day. She’s like a real-life Mary Poppins—full of energy, enthusiasm, and most importantly, patience when you’re running low. As your children grow older and you find yourself becoming less “cool” in their eyes, it’s often the hip aunt who remains a trusted confidante for those deeper conversations. She keeps you connected to what’s happening in your kids’ lives.
PANKs generously invest not just their time, but also their resources. According to estimates, they spend approximately $387 each year on the children in their lives, not just on trendy toys and games. A significant percentage—34%—also contribute to educational expenses. Furthermore, many PANKs support parents financially, with around 45% providing assistance to help manage the costs of raising children.
Beyond their generosity with our kids, we mothers cherish our aunt friends just as much. They keep us in the loop about trends outside of parenting, ensuring we know which nail polish shades are in vogue—even if we can’t find the time for a manicure. When we share our struggles with relationships or parenting, they offer fresh perspectives that our mom friends might not. A PANK won’t compare your parenting to her own; she’ll be there for you and your children with love and honesty in a way that’s truly invaluable.
So here’s to all the wonderful aunts out there. We genuinely couldn’t navigate this journey without you.
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Summary:
National Aunts Day celebrates the vital role that childfree women play in the lives of children and their families. Established by Lisa Thompson in 2009, this day acknowledges the love and support provided by aunts—often referred to as PANKs (Professional Aunts, No Kids). These women offer invaluable support, whether through financial contributions, emotional guidance, or simply being a fun presence in children’s lives. As we honor our aunties, we recognize their unique ability to connect with our kids and provide us moms with much-needed perspective and companionship.