GREAT Aunts
I have five nieces and nephews, and they are the loves of my life. And because I don’t yet have kids of my own, I can lavish all the free time and attention I’d like on them. (And yes, that might mean we have ice cream before lunch every once in a while!)
Turns out, I’m in good company. I’m what’s been dubbed a PANK: Professional Aunt, No Kids, by savvyauntie.com. Founder and fellow PANK Melanie Notkin points out that we are an influential bunch: “We’re the ones with discretionary income and the time to spend it on ourselves and others.” Need proof? Look at buying habits: Single women are the fastest-rising segment of new homebuyers, second homebuyers, car purchasers, travelers and new investors.
What’s at work here? Women are having children later in life or are deciding not to have kids. In fact, according to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, 45 percent of women up to age 44 do not have children.
This isn’t to say that PANKS don’t want to have kids or that they are without the nurturing instinct. “Sometimes it’s the aunt who has a different way of looking at the world, who can contribute to the success of childrearing,” Notkin says. She believes aunts can sometimes be the “unsung heroes in the family.”
With all the resources and support networks out there for parents, it’s encouraging to know that there’s a place for us aunties, too.
About the author: Tricia O’Brien loves spending time with her nieces and nephews. She lives in New York City with her golden retriever.
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