If your kids have a childless aunt, what is their relationship like?

[garlictwist]

For various reasons I do not, and will not be having, children of my own. My sister has two children who are currently very young (under 5). They live locally and I try and have a big part in their lives, seeing them regularly, spending time with them etc.

I love them - obviously not as mother would (although clearly I don't know what this feels like) but "love" best sums up my feelings for them.

The kids are quite keen on me and seem to like having me around. However, I am aware that as they grow older that will probably change and I'll just be this boring spinster aunt who they're forced to see now and again.

I suppose I'm looking for stories from the future - if your kids have an aunt like me and are older - do they still want to see her?

I have a child-free aunt. She never lived near-by, but my relationship has always been a bit like many kids have with a grandparent. As kids she had us to stay in the summer holidays, took a huge interest in everything we did and always spoilt us. As an adult, she has always been there for me, and played a big part is helping with my wedding. She was hugely excited when I had my kids, and is still always there for me. I speak to her twice a week. She loves to hear all about my life and that of my kids, and as she is getting older. She is huge part of my life.

It's depends on you and your personality. Not whether you're a Mum or married. I'm very close with my niece and nephew and for quite a few years I was childless. I'm not now and my DC are in their 20s but I'm still really close with them. I hang out with my niece a lot - she came to stay with me for a couple of months when she broke up with her partner and we still hang out once a week or every two weeks. She came because we're close and she knows I get how she feels. Her Mum is very awkward and doesn't know how to be emotionally supportive. We are very different.

2 years ago my niece gave me a birthday card 'Aunty - like a Mum but cooler'. We're close because Im young in spirit and adventurous, and we have similar tastes - not like her parents!

Conversely my DC are not close with their childless aunt (who is married) - another one of my sisters - because she's just a bit creepy and uncool and has no idea about how young people live now.