I’ve decided motherhood is not for me. But being an auntie? It’s what I was born to do

The Guardian UK Tuesday 18 August 2026, 15:00 UTC By Kate Leaver 1 min read

Key Points

I’m a backup caregiver, a teller of stories, a giver of snacks. Also, kids ask too many questions for their parents to answer them all“She doesn’t have kids!” My littlest niece, Bonnie, said to my sister one day, about me.

I’m a backup caregiver, a teller of stories, a giver of snacks. Also, kids ask too many questions for their parents to answer them all

“She doesn’t have kids!” My littlest niece, Bonnie, said to my sister one day, about me.

“That’s why she has so much time to love you,” my sister said. Bonnie did some deep, earnest thinking, as toddlers do when they’re really considering something. Then she nodded, as if to say: yes, that is an extremely valid choice. If only everyone understood so easily.

Bonnie (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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I’ve decided motherhood is not for me. But being an auntie? It’s what I was born to do

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